Schachter
The Black Clown
Philadelphia Premiere
An adaptation of the Langston Hughes poem by the same name
Co-created by Davóne Tines, Michael Schachter, and Zack Winokur
Produced in Partnership with ArKtype
Original music by Michael Schachter
Directed by Zack Winokur
Choreographed by Chanel DaSilva
Performed in English
Creator and opera revolutionary Davóne Tines brings Langston Hughes’ poem “The Black Clown” to musical life in a vaudevillian rendering of this masterpiece. Fusing gospel, opera, jazz, and spirituals into a searing night of theatrical brilliance, The Black Clown embodies the evolving, divided soul of Black America and animates a Black man’s resilience against a legacy of oppression. The Black Clown has been hailed as “pure poetry” by The Boston Globe, and The New York Times lauds “this rich, seamless production melds the past and present of African-American history into an electrifyingly ambivalent whole.” Tines makes his Opera Philadelphia debut alongside an ensemble of 12 performers in this genre-bending, visually arresting piece, juxtaposing dazzling cathartic performances with Hughes’ enduring work.
Subscriptions are on sale now. Pick Your Price tickets are on sale now to 25/26 subscribers, donors $100+, and Opera Pass holders. The general public on-sale starts Thursday, May 15 at 9:00 a.m.
MapMiller Theater
Dates are May 2026.
| Thu, May 14 | 7:00 p.m. |
| Fri, May 15 | 8:00 p.m. |
| Sat, May 16 | 8:00 p.m. |
| Sun, May 17 | 2:00 p.m. |
Runtime is 70 minutes with no intermission
Artwork: Painted Fragment, Infinity Ring and Waxing Moons, 2024, courtesy of Arthur Poujois and General Assembly. Photo by Jack and Jess Hall.
Cast & Creative Team
- Chanel DaSilva * Choreographer
- Jaret London * Additional Arrangements
- Carlos Soto Scenic & Costume Design
- John Torres Lighting Design
- Kai Harada * Sound Design
- Rachel Padula-Shufelt * Wig and Hair Design
- *Opera Philadelphia debut