04/15/2026
Come on through for circus, opera, and discussion.
April 22
Join Minnesota Opera and the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center for an evening that brings together opera, circus, and community history ahead of MN Opera’s presentation of Ruggero Leoncavallo’s gripping tragedy "Pagliacci".
The evening will feature circus aerial performances by local business owner and performer Nastaaja Johnson (Vivid Black Paint) set to music from the opera, alongside live musical performances by MN Opera guest artists Reginald Smith, Jr. and Amanda Batista. Between performances, Dr. Allison Lewis (MN Opera) will moderate two panel conversations exploring opera’s past and future in the community.
The first will examine the history of opera in Rondo and at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, featuring Benny Roberts (Hallie Q. Brown Community Center). The second will examine the exclusionary and harmful histories of opera and circus, and ask how opera can continue to serve as a valuable performance practice for the Black community.
To close the evening, Johnson will invite willing audience members to participate in a low-intensity circus workshop, including an introduction to scarf juggling.
Event Details:
🗓️ Wednesday, April 22 at 7pm
📍 Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
270 N Kent Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
