HOUSTON — Wednesday is World Opera Day and the Houston Grand Opera is performing the world premiere of a true, but little-known story about two unlikely allies during the Civil War.
A woman from a prominent Confederate family teamed up with a slave to become spies for the Union Army.
It's bold, groundbreaking and it's called "Intelligence."
It tells the story through dance, drama, words and song.
Janae Brugger plays Mary Jane Bowser, who was a slave in the Confederate White House in Richmond, Virginia. She formed a spy ring with Elizabeth Van Lew, from a Confederate family, played by Jamie Barton.
J'Nai Bridges plays Lucinda, who she calls the voice of reason. She said it's the most important role she's played in her career.
"So, this role that I'm playing in this opera, it doesn't feel like I am acting. It doesn't feel like I have to go too far out of who I am and where I come from," Bridges said.
It took eight years for Intelligence to make it to the big stage in Houston.
It covers a part of history that sparks debate to this day.
"The purpose of art is to challenge and to evoke discussion and self-reflection and at HGO, we have to make sure every story we choose to tell speaks to our shared humanity and a struggle that's ongoing," HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor said.
Nicholas Newton plays Henry, a butler for Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
"I want the audience to feel that there is always Black joy in the midst of subjugation," Newton said.
The opera is filled with joy, humor, violence and fear.
"It's really such an honor, you know, and a gift to sing a world premiere and create. For me, it actually inspires me to dig into my most creative juices. It reminds me of why I do what I do," Bridges said.
It's an American story and it's only at HGO. The opera will be presented to high school students for free on Monday.