Margaret Garner is an opera by the American composer Richard Danielpour, commissioned by the Michigan Opera Theatre, Cincinnati Opera and Opera Company of Philadelphia. The libretto was written by Toni Morrison, based on the same story as her novel Beloved.
The story takes some liberties with the historical trial–which was based on the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, which required people to aid in the return of fugitive slaves, rather than whether Margaret should be tried for theft or murder.
Ultimately, Margaret did not commit suicide, but was returned to slavery with her husband Robert (who was not lynched). But the poetic license helps accomplish the creators' goal: "[To] inspire passionate reactions and meaningful dialogue about the enduring quest for freedom."
Characters in Margaret Garner
- Margaret Garner, a slave (Soprano)
- Robert Garner, her husband (Baritone)
- Cilla, his mother (Soprano)
- Edward Gaines, a plantation owner (Baritone)
- Caroline, his daughter (Soprano)
- Casey, the foreman (Tenor)
- Auctioneer (Tenor)
World Premiere Cast of Margaret Garner
The opera premiered on May 7, 2005, with the following cast:
- Denyce Graves (Margaret Garner)
- Angela M. Brown (Cilla)
- Gregg Baker (Robert Garner)
- Rod Gilfry (Edward Gaines)
- Roger Honeywell (Auctioneer)
- John Mac Master (Casey)
Synopsis
The story takes place in Kentucky in the 1850s.
Act I
In darkness, a group of slaves prays for freedom.
Edward Gaines, who has been missing for two decades, arrives at an auction where his dead brother's plantation, Maplewood, is being sold. Though no one recognizes him, he is allowed to take over the plantation. He hears Margaret singing and is instantly captivated.
The next day, Margaret, Robert, and Cilla learn that Robert is being sent away, while Edward wants Margaret to serve in the plantation house.
Edward throws a party for his daughter Caroline's wedding. He argues about the nature of love; when Caroline asks Margaret her opinion, the guests are offended and leave, and Edward rebukes her. Later, Edward attacks Margaret while she is cleaning.
Act II
Margaret goes to Cilla's cabin to see Robert, and learns that Robert plans to escape with their children. Casey arrives and struggles with Robert, who strangles him to death.
Robert and Margaret escape to Ohio and go into hiding. But Robert is found, recaptured and lynched. To spare them from returning to slavery, Margaret kills her children.
Margaret is put on trial for "theft and destruction of property," although Caroline argues that she should be tried for murder, since her children were people. Margaret is sentenced to death, but Edward attempts to free her to win his daughter's respect.
At dawn, Edward arrives at the gallows with an order of clemency, but Margaret decides to win "freedom" by hanging herself. Edward prays that Margaret has peace.
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