Chamber Opera with LIbretto by June Carryl
Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Percussion, Piano
Approx 25 minutes
2021

Cast:
Nancy Green – Mezzo-Soprano
Mr. Davis – Baritone
Ensemble – Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Bass

This piece is based on the true story of Nancy Green. The creators of this work will neither allow nor approve the use of anyone other than a Black mezzo-soprano in that role, nor will they permit use of makeup or any other means to make any non-Black soprano appear Black.

Jemima deals with complex issues of race and representation all built around the story of Nancy Green, the first woman to take on the role of Aunt Jemima for the pancake company in the 1890s. The text, by Los Angeles-based playwright, director and actor June Carryl, faces these issues head-on with its eyes open. While there is dark humor in this work, it is decidedly not a comedy and cannot be approached as such.

The score imports racist music from the era into the 21st century and messes with it. I created a 5/4 and minor version of “Dixie” and brought in “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” in a way so mangled that you don’t even notice it’s what you’re hearing. It’s even got an old cakewalk in there. None of these are things I ever thought I’d be doing in my own work, but they are most decidedly appropriate for the telling of this story.

In this short work, we take a look at what Nancy Green was facing as the world turned its eye to her, and get an idea about why she refused to get on a boat to continue to play the role in Paris several years later. Green’s name was largely taken away from her, and we both hope that this opera in some way helps give it back to her. She deserved much more.

This work was written for Overtone Industries' inaugural "Original Visions" project.

It premiered during pandemic restrictions as a film in May 2021 with a youtube premiere. The stage premiere has not been scheduled.

Contact me at jason@jasonbarabba.com for perusal score and to discuss Jemima’s specific casting requirement.