Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing author, Lisa K. Winkler. She is the author of Gershwin's Bess, which is a biographical novel of African American opera singer, Anne Brown, who originated the role of Bess in George Gershwin's opera, Porgy and Bess. In this interview, we discussed why Anne Brown is a trailblazing figure. We also discussed opera, especially on how there is a large disparity of African American opera singers and on whether opera is dying art. Thank you, Mrs. Winkler!
What inspired you to write Gershwin’s Bess?
Gershwin’s Bess began life as a short play I wrote for 365 Women’s Play Writing. https://365womenayear.wordpress.com/about-project-365/. I had written two plays and was looking for inspiration for my next play. The site has a data base of women who hadn’t yet been written about and I started googling. The names were listed in alphabetical order by first name. Anne Wiggins Brown caught my attention. I immediately began to image this young woman and how she worked side by side with this internationally known composer, George Gershwin.
What drew you to the opera singer Anne Brown?
I wanted to know more about her life and found very little—a small on-line presence but no biographies. I read many biographies of George Gershwin and most included a chapter about the creation of his American opera, Porgy and Bess. Anne Brown, and other members of the original cast were mentioned. While the story takes place around the creation of an opera, readers who aren’t familiar with opera will be drawn to the story of a young woman pursuing her dream.
Why is Anne Brown a trailblazing figure? What opportunities did she open up for other African American opera singers?
Anne Brown knew that even though she had the equivalent of a BA and MA from one of the world’s most prestigious music conservatories, she’d still be denied performing on the traditional opera stages in the US due to her skin color. When she read that George Gershwin was writing an opera featuring an entire African American cast, she knew she couldn’t miss the opportunity.
The opera however couldn’t be performed at the Met; instead it opened on Broadway. Her appearance paved the way for many other African Americans to follow. The entire opera gave many black singers opportunities to be taken seriously as singers and many went on to future careers in opera after Porgy and Bess.
Were there any facts about Anne Brown that surprised you?
I am amazed by her passion and determination at such a young age. She defied her parents, especially her father to pursue her dream to become a singer, moved away from home, and survived the social challenges of the day. Even marrying a Norwegian seems a brave move!
What do you think made Anne Brown decide to become a Norwegian citizen?
While she was on concert tour in Europe after World War II, she met Thorleif Schjelderup, a Norwegian Olympic skier, married and moved to Oslo. She raised her two daughters there.
Why is George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess still a beloved opera today?
Porgy and Bess is a quintessential American opera. It’s about a community, only a couple generations removed from slavery, that experiences the entire human experience, from birth to death, love and loss. Gershwin wrote original spirituals to convey the culture of the Gullah people. The opera also includes jazz, blues, and classical orchestrations. The song “Summertime”, is one of the most covered songs in the world. The music is magnificent; the story is compelling; and the characters are believable, leading to pathos and empathy.
What was your research process like? What sources did you use to write about Gershwin’s Bess?
I read many biographies about George Gershwin and about the creation of the opera. The librarians at Juilliard provided access to files about Anne Brown and Juilliard at the time. I read the course catalogue, concert programs and news clippings. I also visited the Amistad Research Center at Tulane University where Anne Brown’s papers are stored. I did a lot of research about transportation, architecture, fashions, and foods of the time. I also interviewed many opera singers about the rehearsal process and performance routines.
What was the most challenging aspect to write about Gershwin’s Bess?
I’ve worked as a journalist and most of my writing has been non-fiction. The most challenging aspect of writing a novel was allowing my imagination to drive the narrative and shape the characters. I had to relax enough to not worry about every fact and focus more on creating a believable story, packed with people who face challenges with emotions.
Why do you think there is a low representation of African Americans opera singers? What can be done to introduce more African American singers into opera?
The number increases every year. I don’t have the statistics. Most operas staged now have diverse casts. No longer are African Americans only cast in black operas. Of course, funding for the arts is the key to keeping opera – and all classical music—alive. Many opera singers I interviewed became inspired thanks to music teachers and programs they had in public school and throughout high school and college.
Are you a opera fan? If so, what is your favorite opera?
I’ve become an opera fan. My mother used to sing opera as she drove me and my three siblings to our appointments and lessons. At the time, I had no interest. I did love musical theater and sang in my high school chorus and musicals. As I got older, I became more interested in opera and try to attend when I can. I don’t have a favorite opera. I love the traditional ones, especially the tragedies like La Boheme, La Traviata and Tosca. I also love seeing new operas; I loved Moby Dick and Champion. And of course, I adore Porgy and Bess.
Do you think opera is a dying art? If so, what can be done to remedy it?
Opera companies are working hard to bring in new operas by diverse composers focusing on modern themes. The goal is to cultivate younger audiences. Students continue to pursue voice and operatic majors. Again, it’s all about funding for the arts. In Europe, there are many small companies. Singers receive salaries and benefits so they can remain with a company and build a career and family without traveling as much. Opera combines music, drama, and dance to tell stories.
For many people, opera seems inaccessible. I suggest people try watching movies of operas. Another great way to see opera – that’s nearly as great as seeing a live performance, is opera in HD. New York’s Metropolitan Opera offers a complete season: https://www.metopera.org/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23969799079&gbraid=0AAAAADRK8O-5H_uyQVZT1RH3Wx6sVmUq-&gclid=CjwKCAjwx7LSBhB3EiwAjcodxFYSWpoCvonCkNoVoDYZ6WUDTS5FExVQlAeZbuDI5HTV2ROCH6IhDhoCd6UQAvD_BwE. Often local theaters will offer the performances for the price of a movie ticket. I’ve seen several operas this way and love the experience. You see the singers up close, get a look at behind the scenes, and can be either at home or the movie theater.
What is your next project?
Right now, I’m focusing on promoting Gershwin’s Bess. I loved writing this story and hope people will like reading it. I’ve been working on a family memoir and some children’s books. I’m open to ideas for another novel – I’m waiting for inspiration to strike!
About Lisa K. Winkler:
Also, check out my review of Gershwin's Bess!
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