Date of Award

8-16-2024

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Department

School of Music

First Advisor

Tina Stallard

Second Advisor

J. Daniel Jenkins

Abstract

Nkeiru Okoye (1972-) is an American composer of operas and orchestral works whose concert and theatrical compositions have gained extensive recognition in recent years. Harriet Tubman: When I Crossed that Line to Freedom is Okoye’s most well- known opera for which she composed the music and penned the libretto. Through her compositions, Okoye bravely addresses political and racial issues and tells the stories of well-known Black figures, such as Harriet Tubman.

Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) was a prolific American hero that led runaway slaves toward freedom. For approximately a decade, she risked her life traveling to and from the South to family and friends, helping them safely reach liberation in the North. Throughout her lifetime, Tubman advocated for abolitionism, women’s suffrage, and served in the Civil War. She lived a selfless life that was fully dedicated to helping others.

In 2014, Nkeiru Okoye’s opera premiered, telling the story of Tubman’s life and various journeys. This opera has received critical acclaim and is frequently performed throughout the United States and Canada. In the opera, Tubman’s character sings four arias, each representing a different time in her life. The primary purpose of this essay is to present this work to the academic literature by examining the four arias composed for Tubman’s character. I aim to bring awareness to the composer, opera, and prolific historical figure who inspired this piece. A secondary purpose is to provide a resource for iv those performing the Tubman arias or any selections from the opera. This document provides detailed insight that will uplift future performances of the opera Harriet Tubman: When I Crossed that Line to Freedom.

Rights

© 2024, Mahari Allene Marie Freeman

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