This opera narrates the story of ‘The Central Park Five’ and highlights Donald Trump’s involvement.
Justin Hopkins, left, Nathan Granner, David Morgans, Markel Reed, and Chaz’men Williams-Ali rehearse a scene for Detroit Opera’s performances of Anthony Davis’ opera The Central Park Five on May 10, 16, and 18.
Austin T. Richey/Detroit Opera
At a recent rehearsal for the opera The Central Park Five, singers dressed in comfortable athletic wear gathered around a piano, engaging in warm-up exercises. This poignant opera tells the real-life story of a group of Black and brown teenagers who faced wrongful accusations and imprisonment for a tragic event in New York’s Central Park in 1989. The composition, awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2020 for Anthony Davis, initially debuted at the Long Beach Opera in California. It has since graced the stage at Oregon’s Portland Opera, and now finds a nurturing home at the Detroit Opera from May 10-18.
“I wanted the audience to empathize and connect with the Five,” shared Davis, reflecting on the experience of the young men, most of whom were only 14 and 15 at the time of their arrests. “This story embodies perseverance.” Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, Korey Wise, and Yusef Salaam were all exonerated in 2002.
Another figure connected to this important narrative is now the President of the United States. In 1989, Donald J. Trump was primarily recognized as a New York real-estate developer. During the trial of the Central Park Five, he took out full-page newspaper ads advocating for severe penalties against what he termed “roving bands of wild criminals.”
“That bond with the Central Park Five marked the start of Donald Trump’s political journey,” noted Davis. The Detroit Opera’s decision to present this work was made three years ago, well before the previous presidential election. In the original creation, Trump’s character is depicted singing an aria from a lavish setting.
“In our presentation, we’ve chosen to focus on the Five,” explained Davis. “The character of Trump plays a role, but we want to honor the narrative of those who suffered. This is about their journey.” He emphasizes the importance of not losing sight of the lives and experiences of these men who have navigated their trauma to inspire positive change in their communities.
Director Nataki Garrett feels strongly about maintaining the opera’s focus: “For me, there has never been a question of toning it down. Our central focus is on these young men, who are now rich in experience and resilience. Their journey brings a powerful richness to our story.”
“This opera is a true reflection of our times,” added conductor Anthony Parnther. Currently experiencing a moment of recognition, he also led the score for the film Sinners, now in theaters. “Davis’ work draws from a captivating array of American musical styles, weaving together jazz, blues, R&B, and soul,” he explained. “This opera demands significant skill from every singer, requiring them to master intricate rhythms and unique melodies that resonate deeply.”
Garrett acknowledged that this production arrives amid a climate where narratives addressing uncomfortable truths about power and race are often challenged. “The stories we tell as artists transcend our individual experiences,” she expressed. “They belong to humanity. Our role is to reflect and expose truths that cultivate empathy and understanding—a necessity, especially in our current world.”
