Porgy & Bess Is A True Story. Where It Happened

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This is a clip from a one hour documentary my team and I made in 1990 for Turner Broadcasting, for Ted Turner really, about the State of South Carolina. We conducted careful casting to find the right folks to represent South Carolina, and there are amazing folks presented in this documentary.

Porgy and Bess is an opera composed by George Gershwin with a libretto written by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin. It is based on Heyward's 1925 novel "Porgy" and the subsequent 1927 play of the same name.

"Porgy and Bess" is set in the fictional Catfish Row in Charleston, South Carolina, in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of the African American inhabitants of this impoverished neighborhood.

Porgy is a disabled beggar who uses a goat cart to get around. Bess is a woman with a troubled past who is involved with Crown, a violent and possessive man, and under the influence of Sportin' Life, a smooth-talking drug dealer. Crown is an abusive lover who kills a man named Robbins and goes into hiding. Sportin' Life is a drug dealer who tries to lure Bess away to a new life in New York.

After Crown kills Robbins in a fight, he goes on the run, and Bess seeks shelter with Porgy. Despite the odds, Porgy and Bess develop a deep and loving relationship. However Crown returns to reclaim Bess, leading to a final confrontation between him and Porgy. Porgy kills Crown in self-defense. In the end, Porgy is arrested for his actions, and during his absence, Sportin' Life convinces Bess to leave for New York. When Porgy returns and learns of Bess's departure, he sets off to find her, showcasing his determination and love.

The opera is set in the African American community of Catfish Row in Charleston, South Carolina. This location is a fictional representation inspired by the actual Cabbage Row, an area known for its black tenement housing.

The DuBose Heyward's 1925 novel "Porgy" was inspired by the real-life experiences of Charleston's black community and the life of Samuel Smalls, a disabled street beggar.

George Gershwin a renowned composer, sought to create a distinctly American opera by blending classical music with jazz, blues, and folk elements. He spent time in Charleston to immerse himself in the local culture and musical traditions.

"Porgy and Bess" premiered on Broadway on October 10, 1935. It received mixed reviews. Some praised its innovative blend of musical styles and its powerful storytelling, while others were critical of its length and structure.

The opera was controversial due to its portrayal of African American life and its use of a nearly all-black cast. Some African Americans and civil rights groups criticized the work for perpetuating racial stereotypes and for being written and produced by white artists.

Over time, "Porgy and Bess" was re-evaluated and is now considered a significant American cultural work. It has been praised for its groundbreaking music and for providing black artists with prominent roles during a time when opportunities were limited.

The opera's depiction of African American characters and life in the South has been both celebrated for its authenticity and criticized for its use of stereotypes. Later productions and adaptations have attempted to address these issues by consulting with African American artists and communities.

The opera was adapted into a film in 1959, starring Sidney Poitier and Dorothy Dandridge, which brought further attention and acclaim. 1985 Metropolitan Opera Production marked the first time the opera was performed at the esteemed venue, helping to cement its place in the operatic canon. The 2012 Broadway Revival on Broadway attempted to update the work for modern audiences, including changes to the script and musical arrangements.

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David Hoffman filmmaker