Lyric Opera 2022-2023, Issue 7, Factotum

17 | Lyric Opera of Chicago Director’s note The iconic trailblazer Paul Robeson once said, “That dream which we have held so long in our hearts is today the destiny that we hold in our hands.” It is in the indomitable spirit of his powerful words that I am honored to share with you our groundbreaking and soul-stirring new American opera, The Factotum , by the visionary, gifted duo of Will Liverman and DJ King Rico. As a storyteller, I’ve always seen the empty space of the stage as an opportunity for social change and civilized discourse to occur. It remains one of the few sacred places left in a far too noisy, often divided world where people of different backgrounds, cultures, gender identities, and communities can still sit in the quiet dark together, think a while, laugh, and be awakened. It is a gathering place—like a barbershop—where one can gain a richer connection to the fragility of beauty and pain that exists in all art and life. Black people have ignored opera for far too long because opera has ignored us! However, The Factotum provides a much-needed new chapter and an authentic By Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj artistic opportunity, rooted deeply in the current Black Arts Movement, to change that reality. I am thrilled that The Factotum makes its world premiere with one of our nation’s top opera companies, the historic Lyric Opera of Chicago, during a time when both the city of Chicago and our nation are in the midst of a revolutionary artistic and cultural reckoning and awakening. In the African American experience and diaspora, Black barbershops and beauty shops have always played a vital role in shaping the character, consciousness, and culture of our people. Black people will instinctively recognize this dynamic score as well as the South Side Chicago rhythm and sway of the barber/beauty shop, including all the souls that occupy it as they re ect our shared history, humanity, and heartbeat. A visit to the shop allows you to steal a moment for yourself from the chaos of your daily life. Your barber or beautician often becomes a trusted con dant with whom you can be your authentic self, sharing things you might not even share with your spouse or closest friends. No matter how advanced our technology gets or how fast the world changes, the barber/beauty shop remains a safe space that holds old and new memories every time you sit in the chair. They have served as contemporary “hush harbors” where our people could express their full humanity in safety and respect; sanctuaries where our bodies could gather in pursuit of freedom and fellowship; bunkers for the foot soldiers of the Civil Rights and current Black Lives Matter movements. They have been and continue to be where we organize and network; spaces where we are loved and told that we are beautiful and intelligent; and where we are taught that our lives matter! Barbershops are part of our beating heart—sacred spaces where our dignity as a people is inviolate! The Factotum courageously and unapologetically explores the full spectrum of human challenges with dexterity and grace, from the power of the human spirit to overcome challenges to the complexity of creating community. The opera illuminates Black joy, romantic relationships, coping with the loss of a loved one, standing up to police brutality, and the ght to pursue the American Dream against the complex backdrop of legacy. The Factotum urges us to treat our wounds and dreams gently, and to give ourselves and the ones we love most a second chance. Lastly, a big Chi-Town shout-out to our exceptionally gifted creative team, crew, entire Lyric staff, and magni cent Factotum company!