Briar Patch
About
Music by Nkeiru Okoye
Libretto by Carman Moore
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Forces: Five singers and chamber orchestra
Genre: One-act opera, can be presented staged or unstaged, as part of an orchestra concert
Themes: folklore, trickster tales, wit, resilience, African storytelling traditions, community, survival
Development & Premiere: Developed by the Virginia Arts Festival John Duffy Institute for New Opera and American Opera Projects, with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, and OPERA America's Discovery Grant for Female Composers. Premiered at the Virginia Arts Festival
For scores and parts, contact rental@presser.com
The Story
A retelling of “Bre’r Rabbit and the Tar Baby” through African and African American storytelling traditions, blending gospel, jazz, blues, and contemporary classical music in a theatrical work designed for audiences of all ages.
Narrated by three spirited birds, Briar Patch follows the adventures of Bre’r Rabbit, an underdog trickster whose quick thinking repeatedly outsmarts his rival, Bre’r Fox. Rooted in traditions that trace back to the Anansi stories of Ghana, the opera celebrates the enduring power of folklore, humor, and wisdom while reminding audiences that cleverness often triumphs over strength.
Critical Response
“A raucous success … Given the painful history of the Uncle Remus stories, it is a blessing to encounter such material in the hands of Black artists such as Okoye, Moore and Stockard.” The Virginian Pilot (2022)
“Briar Patch came like a shooting star in this production. Bre'r Rabbit and the Tar Baby is one of three Tales From the Briar Patch that Ms. Okoye and Mr. Moore have created… Each is filled with mirth, home-spun wisdom and a life lesson. The creators look forward to the day when all three operas are performed together on one bill. We do too!” Art Song Update. (2022)
Media
Word Premiere - Virginia Arts Festival
"Edenin Bre'r Rabbit"
"Mmm Rabbit"
"I am all that I am"
Public Workshops
University of Michigan
concert workshop
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Black Herstory Month, Sunday Matinee