HARRIET TUBMAN
When I Crossed that Line to Freedom
"I am Moses, the liberator,” Harriet proclaims in her final aria, pistol in hand as she urges an exhausted man to continue running toward freedom. “You keep on going or die.” With its themes of survival and deliverance, Okoye’s work would make a fitting grand opening for an opera company’s post-pandemic relaunch. " — The New York Times
About
An opera tracing the extraordinary journey of Harriet Tubman from enslaved child to legendary liberator, as faith, courage, and sacrifice propel her across the line between bondage and freedom.
HARRIET TUBMAN: When I Crossed that Line to Freedom is a two-act opera chronicling the transformation of a young girl born into slavery into the legendary Underground Railroad conductor. Drawing on contemporary Tubman biographies, the story unfolds through the experiences of Tubman and her close-knit family of lively and memorable characters. The opera explores universal themes of sisterhood, courage, sacrifice, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love. At its heart is the moving relationship between Harriet and her younger sister Rachel, whose vow that "nothing but the grave" will separate them is tested by the realities of slavery
Story
Born into slavery on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Harriet Tubman escapes to Philadelphia and gains her freedom. Refusing to leave her family behind, she repeatedly returns to Maryland as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, risking her life to guide others to freedom. Through the bonds of family, faith, and sacrifice, the opera traces Tubman's transformation from enslaved child to legendary liberator.
Production Details
Music and libretto by Nkeiru Okoye
Duration: Approximately 120 minutes; two actsEnsemble: Race-specific cast of principal roles; SATB chorus and orchestra
Themes: Freedom, faith, family, courage, sacrifice, resistance, and self-determination
Commissioner: American Opera Projects
Score and part available through Theodore Presser
Related Work: Tubman's four principal arias are also available as the concert song cycle Songs of Harriet Tubman.
"[Okoye] spins simple Americana into the gold of art music of lasting quality... The music is irresistible, invigorating, and vivid, building to an unforgettable and thrilling conclusion. It is a great American opera." — M.L. Rantala, Hyde Park Herald (2016)
"An emotionally charged and musically sublime experience."
— Mark Satola, The Plain Dealer (2016)
"This Tubman is not just a Moses-like liberator, but also an individual from whom we learn about the accumulated hurts and losses of slavery." — Cleveland Classical (2016)
"A clear creed about sisterhood, courage and willingness to make sacrifices." — Harald Lacina, Der Opernfreund - Luxembourg (2020)
"A deeply moving opera grounded in 19th century abolitionism."
— Oberlin Conservatory Magazine (2016)
Critical Response
Media
The gallery features selected scenes from the American Opera Projects premiere production of Harriet Tubman: When I Crossed That Line to Freedom. The opera has subsequently been produced by South Side Opera Company in Chicago and Oberlin Conservatory.
