Writer
“The character goes through a substantial arc in the opera’s short time span, from grieving widow to fierce defender of her people and an advocate for peace and justice.” – Chuck Lavazzi, STL Art Scene for KANDAKE
“Lee’s distillation of this story bears the implicit message that true unity is only possible when we share in one other’s pain and even accept culpability for how our actions or inactions contributed to that pain.” – Daniel Kushner, Roc City News for Two Corners
“the narrative affect was more akin to oral storytelling than ‘traditional’ opera.” – Basil Considine, Twin Cities Arts Reader for Oshun
”at its most successful in the lyrics of those arias that focus on the personal concerns of its characters, and that reflect the resilience of Black folks and their allies” – Gregory Ford, D.C. Metro Theatre Arts for Voices of Zion
Jarrod Lee Writer/Librettist
Click the Story for Details
Hello, Star
Composer: Carla Lucero
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Based on the book “Hello, Star” by Stephanie S. V. Lucianovic
Commissioned by Opera Parallèle and Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University
San Francisco Performance Dates: Oct. 25th and 26th, 2025
Baltimore Performance Dates: 2026…coming soon…
Links to tickets for premiere of Hello, Star coming soon…
Synopsis: A young girl named Celeste is captivated by the call from a bright dying star. With curiosity as her leader and her Mother as guide, she still questions her ability to meet the star before it fades away. Will she allow her self-doubts and expectations of what should happen get the best of her curiosity or will she achieve her goal and see possibilities beyond her wildest dreams?
Characters: *Celeste and Mom are intended to be Black
Young Celeste: Treble
Mom/Trainer: Mezzo-Soprano
Adult Celeste: Soprano
Alex: (non-gender specific) Alto/Tenor
Billie: (non-gender specific) Alto/Tenor
Big Star: Bass-Baritone
Star Chorus: SSA chorus
Orchestration: Flute/piccolo, percussion, harp, 2 violins, viola, cello, double bass
Licensing inquiries: UIA / Aaron Sanko & Shawn Marie Jeffery / [email protected] & [email protected]
Jarrod Lee in Yellow / Photographer: Robert Mercer Jr.
Conceptual art by Opera Parallèle
Delta King's Blues
Composer: Damien Geter
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by IN Series
Premiere: December 2025
Performance Dates:
Washington D.C. / December 6, 7 (matinee), 12, 13, 14 (matinee), 2025 / 340 Maple Dr. Washington, DC 20024
Baltimore, MD / December 19, 20, 21 (matinee), 2025 / 2640 Space Baltimore, MD 21218
Link to Delta King’s Blues Tickets coming soon…
Synopsis: Robert Johnson, the future Delta King of Blues, runs with embarrassment after a failed attempt to impress Willie, Son and Virginia with his playing of a steel stringed guitar named Stella. Robert seeks God’s help but with no response to his desperate plea for revenge, the Devil suddenly appears and offers Robert guitar lessons. Robert is at a crossroad and is offered a choice to leave the Devil and be a mediocre guitarist or accept the offer for the cost of his soul. With a desire to be seen and remembered, Robert accepts the Devil’s guitar lessons and returns as the best player of the steel stringed guitar.
Characters: *Characters are intended to be Black. Devil may be of any race.
Willie (baritone)
Son (tenor)
Robert Johnson (tenor)
The Devil (bass)
Virginia (soprano)
Stella (guitar and woman identifying dancer)
Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera? Please contact Just A Theory Press / [email protected]
Jarrod Lee is represented by UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko, [email protected] / Shawn Marie Jeffery / [email protected]
Damien Geter is represented by Visconti Arts
Photo above by Robert Mercer / IN Series Illustration for Delta King’s Blues: David Plunkert
Kandake
Composer: Timothy Amukele
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by Opera Theatre of St. Louis (OTSL)
Premiere: Feb. 2025
“…for expansion into full-length form, Kandake was the clear candidate, its narrative ambition and dramatic breadth demanding a longer canvas.” – Chase Adams, Poplife STL
“Musically, it is grand and African.” – Steve Callahan, Broadway World
Synopsis: As the Kingdom of Kush thrives under the rule of King Teriteqas and Kandake Amanirenas (Queen Amanirenas), the Romans plan to increase their territory by attacking the Kingdom of Kush. Amanirenas fights alongside her husband, but Teriteqas suffers a fatal blow and succumbs to his wounds. Amanirenas’ mourning is interrupted by her son, Akinidad, who shares the news that Rome has overtaken Philae with plans to seize her throne and the riches of Kush. Should she lead an attack on the Roman occupied Philae while their troops are distracted by Arabia or should Kush pay taxes to keep their land? With the blessing of their ancestors, she leads a victorious battle and reclaims Philae. As a warning, she sends golden arrows to the Roman Emperor with a message to receive the arrows as gifts or use them as weapons should Rome decide to invade her Kingdom of Kush.
Characters: (6 singers, 4 dancers) *Amanirenas (mezzo),*Akinidad (tenor or baritone), Oracles (soprano & mezzo), Kushite 1 (tenor), Kushite 2/Roman Centurion (bass-baritone or bass), Kushite Soldiers (2 dancers), Roman Soldiers (2 dancers) / *Black characters include: Amanirenas and Akinidad. Other Kushites intended to be People of Color.
11 Member Orchestra: Flute, Bassoon, Clarinet, Keyboard, Percussion, Violin (1,2), Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Drum set, Optional Djembe player / *can be arranged for an orchestra of 9
Link to video from Kandake Premiere…coming soon
Link to OTSL New Works Collective: press release March 2024
Photo by Phillip Hamer: L to R: Tayler Alexis DuPont, Paul Chwe MinChul An, Cierra Byrd, Martin Luther Clark, Emilie Kealani
Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera? Please contact UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko, [email protected] / Shawn Marie Jeffery, [email protected]
Photographer: Robert Mercer / Cover Photo: Phillip Hamer
Two Corners
Composer: B.E. Boykin
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by Finger Lakes Opera
Premiere: June 2024
Synopsis: Florine Boykin leads her childhood friend Sarah down memory lane by the nostalgic power of a radio to examine and review their friendship in the midst of racial tension surrounding them in the segregated and rural town of Wedowee, Alabama. Their bond is tested as they revisit memories and confront their shared past from different perspectives. Can their friendship survive the mid-twentieth century racial disparities, or was their friendship a part of their imagination?
Orchestra: Winds, Horns, Percussion, Strings
Length: 45min to 1hr
Cast: Sarah (soprano), Florine (soprano), Hollis (baritone), Ken/Hobart/JFK (tenor), Julia (mezzo), Winnie (soprano), Radio Announcer/Store Clerk/Doctor (tenor), Young Florine (dancer), Young Sarah (dancer), Children of Florine and Hollis (2 actors & a baby prop) *Characters that are Black include: Florine, Hollis, their children, and Julia
Production from the Premiere: Gerard Floriano (conductor), Kimille Howard (stage director), Cori Ellison (dramaturg), John D. Alexander (lighting designer), Kimberly V. Powers (set designer), Mary Farmer (costume designer), Andreana Lipomi (wig & makeup), David Moffitt (videographer),
Cover Photo: Left to Right: Young Florine (Kiara Haywood), Florine (Kearstin Piper Brown), Sarah (Kate Johnson), Young Sarah (Sabrina Cmelak), Kelly Kester (photographer)
Link to sample from Two Corners from Finger Lakes Opera workshop
Link to Creative Team, Cast, and Production for Two Corners from the Premiere
Link to Opera America awards Finger Lakes Opera
Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera? Please contact UIA / Aaron Sanko & Shawn Marie Jeffery / [email protected] & [email protected]
What is Love? An AI Story
Composer: Timothy Amukele
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by the Atlanta Opera
Premiere: 2024 / Crowd Favorite Award & Runner-Up to the grand prize
Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic future after the great war, human embryos were preserved in secure development chambers to be cared for by Andy the android. Andy must transmit all that has been lost to the new humans. Andy learns lessons via a hologram, from its creator who lived over 100 years ago. After thousands of lessons, Andy’s last and most important lesson is “love.” How do you teach love to an android?
Background Story: In an attempt to create life in the future, humans preserved embryos in secure development chambers and prerecorded life lessons via holograms to train androids to become caregivers and teachers for new humans until they are capable of taking care of themselves.
Characters:
Android (Treble or Soprano or a higher Mezzo)
Teacher (Baritone)
Orchestration: Piano
Length: 12min / Ready for Community Engagement, Educational and Outreach programming.
Link to What is Love? An AI Story (begin at 25:00 min)
Link to ATL 96 hour Opera Festival/2024
Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera? Please contact Jarrod Lee and Timothy Amukele
Jarrod Lee is represented by UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko, [email protected] / Shawn Marie Jeffery, [email protected]
Photographer: Robert Mercer
ordering-of-moses
The Ordering of Moses
Composer: Nathaniel Dett
Conducted by Stanley Thurston
Directed by Jarrod Lee* and Timothy Nelson
Choreography by Shawna J. Williams
Artwork by Richshaad Ryan
Design by Maria Bissex and Paul Callahan
Link to The Ordering of Moses on INvision
Length: 45min
Nathaniel Dett’s 1930’s choral oratorio THE ORDERING OF MOSES weaves together classic spirituals into a musical feast that helped ignite America’s civil rights movement. Now IN Series and Heritage Signature Chorale join forces in a first ever staging of this epic masterpiece, in which music and theater, chorus and soloists, surround and immerse audiences in an embodied spiritual and artistic experience – collaborating with DC musicians, dancers, and visual artists, and a cast of nationally recognized vocalists. Inspired by the much acclaimed 2019 L’Enfance du Christ, here a sacred space is transformed with the paintings of Richshaad Ryan into a sanctuary of melody and meaning.
FEATURING: Melissa Wimbish*, Gayssie Lugo. Albert Lee, Carl Dupont*, Elise Jenkins*, Aryssa Leigh Burrs, Brandon Lockhart, Daniel J. Smith, Jihanna Davis, Michael Lodico, Heritage Signature Chorale.
Cover Art: Richshaad Ryan
Photographer: Catrilla Watson
Inquiries on availability to direct? Please contact Jarrod Lee.
*Member of the Cardwell Dawson Artist Fellowship
Oshun
Composer: B. E. Boykin
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by Washington National Opera (AOI)
Premiere: Jan. 2023
Link: American Opera Initiative 2022-2023 (AOI)
AOI production shots: Left to Right: Principal Conductor Evan Rogister and the Washington National Opera/KC Orchestra, Christian Simmons as Olodumare, Daniel J. Smith as Shango, Katerina Burton as Oshun and Anthony P. Ballard as Esu. Photo by Scott Suchman
Oshun is a journey of sacrifice, self-love and redemption displayed in the face of those who would deny it. From Oshun’s story we learn that, with help from those who love us well, we can believe and manifest our inner strength even in our darkest hour.
- Length: 20min / Languages include English and Yoruba
- Characters (4): Oshun (dramatic soprano), Olodumare (bass), Shango (baritone), Esu (tenor) *all characters are intended to be Black
- Orchestra (15): Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in B Flat, Bassoon, Horn in F, Trumpet in C, Cymbals, Vibraphone, Djembe, Piano, Violin (1 & 2), Viola, Cello, Double Bass / *can be arranged for a 9 member orchestra
Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera? Please contact UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko, [email protected] / Shawn Marie Jeffery, [email protected]
Spirit Moves
Spirit Moves
Composer: Dr. Timothy Amukele
Librettist: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by IN Series, D.C.
Premiere: September 2022, remounted in 2023
*Performed for over 500 students with local partnerships that gave seeds for students to plant vegetables on campus.
Link: Spirit Moves (hosted on INvision)
Conceptual Illustration by Tommy Jackson, Graphic Design by Corinne Hayes
Characters: (5 Black Characters including 3 singers, 2 dancers)
Gladys (Mezzo Soprano)
Baby Child (Treble, may pick their gender: boy, girl or non-binary)
Jerry (Baritone)
Lisa (Dancer)
Freddie (Dancer)
Orchestration: Bassoon, Djembe drum, and Keyboard w/Organ
Length: 30min
Inquiries for licensing or commissions to expand the opera? Please contact Jarrod Lee and Timothy Amukele
Jarrod Lee is represented by UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko, [email protected] / Shawn Marie Jeffery, [email protected]
Voices of Zion
Composer: Ronald “Trey” WaltonLibrettist Playwright: Jarrod Lee
Commissioned by Alliance for New Music-Theatre
Premiere: May 2022, prospective remount 2023 in D.C.
Photo: Sheri Jackson and Roz White. Photo taken by Alliance for New Music Theatre
Link to info: Voices of Zion
Black Flute (adaptation/reimagined of Magic Flute)
Composer: MozartLibretto Adaptation: Jarrod Lee
Playwright: Sybil Roberts
Commissioned by IN Series, D.C.
Premiere: 2022
Link: Black Flute
YouTube Link for Pamina’s Aria “Ah, I feel” aka “Ah ich fühl’s” sung by Melissa Wimbush
Photo by IN Series from left to right: William Powell the III, Melissa Wimbish, Elise Jenkins, Kristin Young, Carl DuPont and Edward Graves
Mozart’s magical and transformational MAGIC FLUTE comes to life filmed in Washington DC’s iconic neighborhoods. A luminous version by local playwright Sybil Williams and librettist Jarrod Lee* puts new words to unforgettable music crying out that black life matters and exploring what it is to be young, Black, and gifted in opera today. – IN Series
KenYatta Rogers directs a young national cast including artists in the Cardwell Dawson Fellowship:
Carl DuPont as Papageno
Edward Graves as Tamino
Elise Christina Jenkins as Papagena/Third lady
William Powell III as Sarastro
Melissa Wimbish as Pamina/Second Lady
and Kristin Renee Young as Queen of the Night/First Lady with Jabari Exum
Music Direction by Dr. Elizabeth Hill
Directed by KenYatta Rogers, assisted by Michelle Proctor Rogers
Safiya Muthaliff, Stage Manager
Zoe Tompkins, Lighting Coordinator
Videography by DMV Productions
Poetry / Song
Practice in Self-Love
Lyricist Note: This is a present observation of a lifelong process which is supposed to grow as long as we do.
Boundaries
No one crosses here anymore.
No cracked windows,
Unlocked doors.
This heart is in need of something more.
*notes for boundaries: setting boundaries for one’s sanity is a practice in self-love even if it comes at the end of a relationship.
Breathing
In. Out. Breathing is doable. In out. We will breathe and breathe again. And again, and again. Life requires it. Breathing. Breathing. Breathe again.
Still, My Heart
Be still, my heart. We have a ways to go.
I promise to keep and care for you, even when others don’t.
We are here and we will be fine. Come what may, we will be okay.
Take Care, Opened Hearts
Take care, opened hearts and let your light show.
You are worth more than what comes and what goes.
“Not now” I’ve heard and “maybe later,” doesn’t stop loneliness from getting greater.
The truth is how we begin to heal.
Loving myself well and sitting with the feels.
Take care, opened hearts and let your light show.
You are worth more than what comes and goes.
Love Me Well
Love me and love me well. Love me especially when it’s hard to tell. Love me in whole as best you can. Show me, your self; as a lover and friend. We can survive whatever the hell if we love each other and love us well.
*notes on Love Me Well: loving someone well is speaking their language with ease and care. It means you love yourself as well.
See Your Equal
I want to pour love into a Man unapologetically without hesitation. I want to be the clearest reflection of the work he’s put in, to being a beautiful Man, so that when he sees me he sees his equal. / Link to video for See your Equal set to music by composer Ronald Walton
Copyright © 2022 by Jarrod Lee
I Choose Hope
I choose hope,
Beyond what I see.
I choose hope.
Hope is me.
Without evidence,
When I want to leave;
Against all odds.
I choose to believe.
I choose hope.
Beyond what I see.
Without hesitation,
I believe in me.
I dream big
And hold my head high.
I believe in me
I don’t feed the lies.
I choose hope
Beyond what I see.
My dreams live
Inside of me.
That flame,
That spark,
That passion,
That’s me.
I’m the hope that others dreamed.
I choose hope, no matter how dark it seems.
And should I forget. If I let hope die,
hope will find me
And replace every lie.
I choose hope.
Hope is me.
I choose hope,
Beyond what I see.
Copyright © 2025 by Jarrod Lee
Journey to You
Composer: Tim AmukeleLyricist: Jarrod Lee
Inspired by the art of William Christenberry
At the Phillips Collection
in Washington, D.C.
Commissioned by Alliance for New Music-Theatre
Premiere: Video in 2021, LIVE Performance in 2022
Link to Journey to You
The Journey to You
for Baritone, Tenor, and Body Percussion
Theme Sentence: Still moments captured in a photo are living and can spark conversations while conjuring unassuming shared experiences on a journey to empathy.
Child, It’s a Thing / Inspired by Night Spot, Marion, Alabama, 1972
Child, it’s a thing. Your feet may be dusty, it may be hot, but when you get in there, Child. It’s a thing.
The Hornets Awake / Inspired by Tree 2003 German ink on sandpaper
Bright and early the hornet’s nest awakes. Dangerously beautiful.
It Holds Things / Inspired by Green Warehouse (Distance View), Newbern, Alabama 1981
It holds things. Things you haven’t seen in a long time. Some things you want to see, and some things you don’t want to see.
Bloody Pond / Inspired by Bloody Pond, Shiloh Battlefield, Tennessee 1980
It’s a little too peaceful for me…I’m used to some noise, something that makes me jump. I’d probably enjoy it too; if it wasn’t bloody. Who died and made it bloody? Still and peaceful. I’d probably enjoy it too, if it wasn’t bloody.
Not Forgotten / Inspired by Indian Mounds, near Moundville, Alabama 1999
Things that were found, not meant to be left behind, looks abandoned, and filled with purpose.
It Covers the Past / Inspired by Kudzu and House, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama 1991
Mother covers all sin. She covers a past and makes it green almost as if it never happened.
No More Games to Play / Inspired by Near Sawyerville, Alabama 1994
She’s gone too soon. No more games to play, left between and stuck in red clay. She ascended, and now she’s fin’lly free.
Stars Shine Through the Rain / Inspired by Night Landscape 2004 German ink on sandpaper
Stars shine through my window; they talk to me through the rain.
Moonlight Through the Pine / Inspired by Tree 2006 German ink on sandpaper
Moonlight through the Pine.
Copyright © 2020 by Jarrod Lee
Stories That Need Your Support
Goodnight Ruby
by Jarrod Lee
Synopsis: Charlotte, a caretaker in a hospice home, prepares Ruby for bed while participating in Ruby’s plot to remember her first kiss. Ruby’s tactic and only weapon is a melody from her childhood, played by a carnival band one summer night under the stars.
Characters:
Samantha: A mother who is going home to take care of her son.
Ruby: A lovely lady diagnosed with Alzheimer and doesn’t care much for Samantha.
Charlotte: Her grandmother died recently.
Split-Second/LIFE
Composer: TBALibrettist: Jarrod Lee
Scenario: Jim Lieberthal
Commissioned: TBD
Premiere: TBD
Link: coming soon…
Seeking commission to confirm prospective composer and completion of the libretto.
Photo by Alex Jalapa
A deadly crisis triggers a series of events revealing truths within a triangle of love, each with different sexual orientations, exploding into a vortex of circumstances forcing consequences that transcend time and realities.
Characters: (suggested voice types) *Characters are intended to be artists of color.
Richie (tenor or baritone): gender-fluid, excitable
Melvin (baritone): bi-sexual, reserved, stable
Emily (mezzo-soprano): cis-gender woman, explosive, emotional, manipulative
Warrior Angel (countertenor, bass, or soprano): non-gender specific, Provokes Action
Ms. or Mr. I-94 (mezzo or bass-baritone): cis-gender male, gender questioning *ending gender mode is determined by the participating artist.
The Voice (countertenor or instrument): obligato, encourages emotional and spiritual support
Archangels / Paramedics (3 or 4 actors/dancers)
Orchestration: tbd by composer
Inquiries for commissioning this work?
UIA Talent Agency / Aaron Sanko / [email protected]
UIA Talent Agency / Shawn Marie Jeffery / [email protected]
Thank You!
Donors toward Videography
Alexandra Christoforakis
Amy G. Kozak
Andy Oshiro
Brian J. Shaw
Chris Snowden
Colleen Daly Eberhardt
Corinne M. Hayes
Dana Morgan
David Roberts
Jasmine Wiggington
Jim Williams
Kayla Hill
Lynn Bayer
Paula Newberry
Thea Tullman