In 1993, Dayton Opera commissioned a work

based on the life and works of one of Dayton’s

favorite sons, Paul Laurence Dunbar.  Well-known

African-American composer Adolphus Hailstork

worked with librettist Dr. Herbert Martin of the

University of Dayton to set this incredibly rich

poetry to music.  The result was "Paul Laurence

Dunbar: Common Ground" which premiered on

February 10, 1995 at the Victoria Theatre and was

subsequently performed in over 80 area schools. 

In 2005-06, to honor the 100th anniversary of the death of Paul Laurence Dunbar, Dayton Opera will revive this work as part of a city-wide recognition of the legacy of one of Dayton’s great creative geniuses.  This work will be brought to life by the four talented young singers in Dayton Opera’s Artist-In-Residence program with stage direction by Sheila Ramsey and music direction by Jeff Powell.

This operatic theatre work uses Dunbar’s poetry to explore the many areas of human existence which are common to us all. His varied works capture the spirit and emotion of turn-of-the-century life, yet are timeless in their exploration of such universal themes as pride, aspiration, love, acceptance and faith.  It employs a wide variety of musical styles from blues to opera to gospel to convey the depth of emotion in Dunbar’s work. 

This production uses all or part of thirteen Paul Laurence Dunbar poems and provides numerous opportunities for curriculum tie-ins not only with the study of Dunbar’s works but also the comparison African-American poets of different eras, the life and times in which they lived, the use of various dialects in writing, setting poetry or verse to music, illustrating a poem and getting acquainted with opera. 

The performance is about 40 minutes long and is targeted for grades six thru twelve and adults.  It will be available during February 2006.  Contact Pam Eyink at 937/228-0662, Ext. 3091 or at peyink@daytonopera.org for available dates and cost.