Wilmington Concert Opera is set to present the world premiere of a new chamber version of Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s opera “Loksi’ Shaali’” (Shell Shaker) this May.
The performances, set for Thursday, May 14 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew in Wilmington, Delaware, will feature operatic singers of Cherokee, Choctaw, Mvskoke, Pueblo of Acoma, Taíno, and Tiwa Nations and heritages. The May 14 performance will take place in conjunction with Opera America’s Opera Conference.
“Loksi’ Shaali'” is based on the Chickasaw legend of how the Chickasaw people received turtle shells for stomp dancing and ceremonies. The work is the first opera ever to be sung and premiered entirely in a U.S. tribal language. The Chickasaw libretto was translated by Lokosh (Joshua D. Hinson).