The following post is from our advertiser, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Joe Louis, “The Brown Bomber,” became an American hero in an era when a black idol was unthinkable, but when the bell has rung and the gloves are off, how is a hero remembered? Joe Louis was much more than a boxer; he was a symbol of democracy in a time of political unrest. His fights weren’t simply viewed as crushing contests between astounding athletes, but as a clash of the titans of a different sort – of nations and ideologies at war. Although he was hailed as a hero, Louis still felt the stinging blows of racism, acting with an unmatched generosity that ultimately became one of his downfalls.

Knocking out traditional concepts of the genre, Shadowboxer: An Opera Based on the Life of Joe Louis, is a uniquely visual, jazz-infused opera. A world premiere production, it features not only a cast, chorus and pit orchestra but also includes an onstage eight-piece jazz ensemble. This will be augmented by images projected onto screens and cast members as well as radio broadcasts from Louis’s fights for a compelling tapestry of sounds and sights

Shadowboxer runs at the Kay Theater at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at Maryland from April 17 – April 25. We’re giving away one pair of tickets to Shadowboxer for the Friday, 4/23 show at 7:30 PM. Entries must be received by 5 PM on Monday, March 29.