Opus for Peace Brings Amistad’s Story to Life

Opus for Peace Initiative Brings Amistad’s Story to Life with Community Performances and Dialogue

Rotary District 7980 is proud to highlight how Opus for Peace—an initiative fostering peace, healing, and reconciliation through the arts—embarks on a powerful journey of storytelling and discussion through Connecticut Lyric Opera’s (CLO) production of Anthony Davis’s opera, Amistad. This opera, a stirring musical adaptation of the story of the Amistad slave ship rebellion and the subsequent fight for freedom, engages audiences not only through its artistic depth but also through community discussions that challenge us to reflect on justice, resilience, and our shared humanity.

Amistad Performances: A Catalyst for Community Dialogue and Change

In May, CLO will present Amistad on three stages across Connecticut: The Shubert in New Haven on May 16, The Bushnell in Hartford on May 17, and The Garde in New London on May 23. These performances are more than just an opera experience—they are a call to remember and reflect on the courage and unity that marked the real-life Amistad story. Each performance under the Opus for Peace banner will be followed by community dialogue sessions where audiences can explore how the themes of Amistad resonate with issues we face today.

As part of its mission, Opus for Peace seeks to bring our communities together to discuss meaningful, sometimes challenging, topics. Through music and open dialogue, these events encourage us to see beyond our individual experiences and connect through universal themes of dignity, freedom, and compassion. Each person’s story adds to the rich tapestry of peace that we collectively weave, with Rotary serving as a vital thread in fostering these connections.

The Journey Begins: Inaugural Performances and Powerful Conversations

The inaugural Opus for Peace events took place in Mystic and Westport this summer, where preview performances of Amistad offered audiences a first glimpse of the production’s raw intensity and emotional depth. Following the Westport performance, attendees joined in a thoughtful discussion on the Amistad story’s enduring relevance. Themes such as the value of justice, the right to freedom, and the fight against oppression filled the room, sparking conversations that were as impactful as the performance itself. Many attendees expressed a renewed understanding of the courage required to fight for equality and the importance of unity in creating lasting peace.

This powerful story, told through the medium of opera, transcends time and place. It connects us to the past, prompts us to examine the present, and inspires us to work toward a more just future. The Amistad performances and subsequent discussions remind us that while we may face different challenges today, the principles of empathy and justice are timeless and fundamental to our communities’ resilience.

A Continued Commitment to Peace and Understanding

With each Opus for Peace event, Rotary District 7980 reaffirms its commitment to these values. CLO’s Amistad performances offer a perfect opportunity to highlight how art and conversation can serve as catalysts for change, sparking dialogue across generations and bridging divides. We invite Rotary members and all members of the Connecticut community to attend these performances—not only to experience a beautiful opera but to take part in a movement toward understanding and peace.

Let us come together on May 16 at The Shubert, May 17 at The Bushnell, and May 23 at The Garde to honor the legacy of Amistad and continue our journey of unity, empathy, and lasting peace. Through Opus for Peace, we make a statement that Rotary is here not only to serve but to lead in fostering a world where dignity and freedom prevail for all.

We hope to see you there as we join hands, hearts, and voices in the spirit of peace.