A new jazz opera about the life and career of boxing legend Joe Louis called Shadowboxer is being workshopped at the Center Stage Play Lab.
Joe Louis held the title of heavy weight champion of the world from 1937-1949. When he defeated German boxer Max Schmeling in 1938, it was a symbolic win for America against the growing tide of Fascism and a monumental win for African-Americans during a time when black people were still considered to be second class citizens.
Carolyn Black-Sotir, producer and assistant director of Shadowboxer, says “Joe Louis was the first black sports figure to be embraced by all of America, both blacks and whites.”
Carolyn Black-Sotir and Samuel McKelton – who sings the role of Joe Louis’ manager, Julian Black—join Tom in-studio to discuss Shadowboxer.
Center Stage Play Lab's production of Shadowboxer will workshopped at Morgan State University on Friday, May 13, and at the Peabody Institute on Saturday and Sunday May 13th & 14th. Find ticket information here.
