Treemonisha at Opera Memphis

If you’re wondering who or what Treemonisha might be, you probably aren’t alone. Treemonisha is, in fact, a relatively obscure opera, composed around the turn of the 20th century by a man most famous for his ragtime tunes: Scott Joplin. Part of the reason for the opera’s obscurity may be due to the fact that the entire score was not found until 1970! Because of this, this opera is relatively “new” and has not had much time to establish a reputation. Joplin’s opera incorporates aspects of standard or “classic” operas from previous centuries such as an overture, chorus numbers, recitatives and arias, but it also differs in a couple of important ways. For one, Joplin’s opera takes place in Texarkana, Arkansas post-American Civil War. As such, it’s also performed in English. Another difference is that Joplin is the music. I could hear some elements of the classical style, but by and large it sounded more modern, especially during the final act in which the whole company did the “Slow Drag”. While Treemonisha is not a ragtime opera, it was interesting that the last number was in the style of ragtime music…in fact it was ragtime music! The final scene was the best part of the opera because it included dancing and singing to Joplin’s peppy, light-hearted music.
On the whole, I felt the plot of this opera left something to be desired, but there were certainly moments of musical genius and something of a plot twist, otherwise, I got a little bored with how slow the plot progressed. I think the best parts of this production were the times when Joplin’s ragtime style came through, the costumes and set and the energy of the cast.
- Brigid Hannon

Photo: Anita Johnson, soprano, as "Treemonisha"