Porgy and Bess, A Black Archival Journey

Open to: All Teachers
Opportunity at a Glance: In 1935, Porgy and Bess brought Black performers and stories center stage in the U.S.  The creation, performance, and legacy of the show offer space to explore the ways American theater has represented Black life and culture—and critically reexamine the opera’s authorship.  Operas like this one can help unpack us the complex, diverse, and powerful stories of the country.
Educators will encounter scripts, performance materials, and other archival documents linked to the show and its productions across time, and will reflect on questions about collective narratives and the role of Black artistry in shaping how history and culture are understood.
Key dates:  Tuesday October 20 from 5:00p.m. – 6:30p.m.
Location: New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 5 Ave, New York, NY 10018
Registration deadline: 10/19/2026

Take action: Register
For more information: isabelmorales@nypl.org