Inspired by the profound words of the spiritual “Were You There?” this two-day event brings together film, music, and dialogue to illuminate the often-overlooked stories of Black revolutionary women throughout history.
Day One: Screening & Conversation
A thought-provoking film screening, followed by a lecture and discussion, invites audiences to engage with these narratives and their enduring impact.
Day Two: Concert
Boston Lyric Opera artists join forces with Castle of Our Skins for a powerful concert, blending opera, spirituals, and contemporary works to honor these extraordinary women. This collaboration challenges historical omissions and reimagines whose stories are centered in cultural memory.
Timed with America 250, She Was There seeks to reframe national commemorations with equity at the forefront, while also serving as a poignant companion to BLO’s Daughter of the Regiment. Through music and testimony, we ask: Who have we forgotten? And how do we carry their legacies forward?
This program is supported by partnerships with Castle of our Skins, the Museum of African American History, and the West End Museum.
Voices of Revolution
A Citywide Opera Initiative for America’s 250th
Join Boston Lyric Opera in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary through music and storytelling. Voices of Revolution invites Boston to rediscover the stories of our nation’s beginnings—lifting iconic and overlooked voices to celebrate who we were, reflect on who we are, and imagine who we can become.
This initiative is part of BLO’s 50th Anniversary season and features performances, talks, and community programs across Boston as part of the statewide MA250 commemoration.
