Opera Birmingham continues its successful chamber opera series with dwb (driving while black). This new one-act opera explores issues of racial injustice, juxtaposing the story of an African American parent (as her son reaches driving age) with contemporary news bulletins highlighting the dangerous world beyond a parent’s control.  dwb continues our Birmingham Speaks initiative, using this production as a springboard for community conversations where art and life intersect. 

dwb is sung in English with projected English text. The performance length is approximately 60 minutes.
Please note: This production contains adult themes. We recommend that only high school age and older attend.

Join us one hour before each performance of dwb for a Pre-Show Chat with General Director Keith A. Wolfe-Hughes and special guests. Stay with us after the show for a Post-Show Talk-Back with the artists.

dwb (driving while black) is a montage of poetic and haunting moments examining the trials and triumphs Black mothers experience as their children come of age in a society plagued by racism and inequality. In the central narrative, we meet the Mother in her home. The dangerous world outside, however, is out of the Mother’s control, and anxiety builds in her mind and heart as her “beautiful brown boy” approaches manhood and the realities of modern life as a Black person in America.

Accessibility

This production has been made possible, in part, by gifts from Scott and Cameron Vowell, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Medicine, and the UAB Heersink School of Medicine; by grants from Alabama Power Foundation, Alabama State Council on the Arts, The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, The Daniel Foundation of Alabama, Hugh Kaul Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts; and by support from Alabama Media Group. Student tickets are supported by The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.