On the evening of June 19, 2025, as the nation commemorates Juneteenth, the Cincinnati Opera unveiled an unprecedented cultural experience. “Lalovavi,” an Afrofuturist opera created by composer Kevin Day and librettist Tifara Brown, made its world premiere at the Cincinnati Music Hall as part of the company’s Black Opera Project. The opera, which blends science fiction, African mythology, and the classical art form, is a bold exploration of identity, love, and liberation set in the distant future of 2119.
“Lalovavi” follows Persephone, a Black woman on a journey to discover her true origins, immortality, and the power of love. Set against a futuristic backdrop of advanced technology and intergalactic travel, the opera delves into themes of self-determination and societal transformation. At its core, “Lalovavi” is a love story, but it also asks deep philosophical questions about humanity’s connection to its past, its future, and the forces that shape both.
For many, the premiere of “Lalovavi” represents a landmark moment in the diversification of opera. Historically, opera has been dominated by Western European composers and stories, and the genre has often lacked representation from people of color. The Cincinnati Opera, however, has taken significant strides toward rectifying this imbalance, focusing on expanding the opera canon with works that reflect the lived experiences and aspirations of Black Americans.
The opera’s bold, Afrofuturist style is characterized by its fusion of speculative fiction with African traditions and storytelling techniques. The production utilizes elements of virtual reality and multimedia projections, enhancing the futuristic setting. “Lalovavi” challenges traditional operatic forms, drawing on a diverse range of musical influences, from classical to jazz to electronic music, all while telling a distinctly Black American story. The music itself blends lush orchestral arrangements with electronic soundscapes, creating a rich auditory experience that mirrors the opera’s blending of cultures and time periods.
Kevin Day, the composer, explains that the work is deeply personal and reflects his experiences as a Black man living in a world shaped by both systemic racism and the promise of technological advancement. Day’s musical background is eclectic, incorporating a wide range of genres and styles, which is evident in the score of “Lalovavi.” Tifara Brown’s libretto, meanwhile, takes inspiration from a variety of sources, including African folklore and Afrocentric philosophical thought, creating a narrative that is as rooted in history as it is forward-thinking.
For many attendees, the premiere was an emotional and cathartic experience, especially as it was presented on Juneteenth, a day of deep cultural and historical significance. Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans in 1865, and the opera’s focus on freedom, identity, and love resonated deeply with the themes of the holiday. The Cincinnati Opera’s Black Opera Project, which was founded in 2022, aims to create a platform for Black composers and performers and to showcase works that center Black experiences and narratives.
The premiere of “Lalovavi” has garnered widespread attention from critics and cultural institutions alike, with many praising the opera’s innovation and boldness. As more opera companies and performing arts organizations look to diversify their repertoires, “Lalovavi” sets a precedent for what is possible when art forms are expanded to include voices and experiences that have historically been marginalized.
With support from organizations like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and local arts grants, Cincinnati Opera has secured significant funding to continue its work of diversifying the arts. The success of “Lalovavi” has opened doors for future collaborations between Black artists and opera companies, ensuring that this form of storytelling is not confined to its traditional boundaries but is instead shaped by contemporary voices that reflect the full spectrum of human experience.
The production will run through the weekend, drawing audiences from across the region, and Cincinnati Opera is already planning future performances and national tours for “Lalovavi.” As the opera community continues to evolve, works like “Lalovavi” are leading the charge in reimagining what opera can be and how it can better reflect the world in which we live.