National Museum of American History

The Washington National Opera (WNO) and the museum discussed the upcoming production of Porgy and Bess at the Kennedy Center, including its complex artistic and historical legacy. The program included a panel discussion, multimedia presentation, and vocal performances by cast members. Participants included Dwight Blocker Bowers, curator of American Entertainment History; Fath Davis Ruffins, curator of African American History and Culture; John Mauceri, conductor; Rita Tikador, WNO assistant artistic director; Morenike Fadayoni, WNO actress (Bess); Eric Owens, WNO actor (Porgy); and Jermaine Smith, WNO actor (Sporting Life).