In 1980's New York City, five African-American and Latino teenagers were in the wrong place, at the wrong time: unjustly convicted of a brutal rape in Central Park, but exonerated through DNA evidence 13 years later. Anthony Davis’ opera “The Central Park Five” tells this passionate story, a story about an issue that remains front of mind, more than 30 years after the initial events occurred. “I have devoted myself to the creation of works that bring to light issues of political and social significance. Particularly my operas have addressed pivotal events and figures in American history with a focus on the issues of race and justice.” — Anthony Davis In the inaugural Catalyst Conversations from Arts and Community Engagement, this one-night-only special program comes in advance of the June world premiere of “The Central Park Five” by Anthony Davis at Long Beach Opera. Featuring performance excerpts from Davis’s opera in a “working rehearsal” format and conversation between Long Beach Opera Artistic and General Director Andreas Mitisek and UC San Diego Distinguished Professor of Music Anthony Davis, with members of the cast. The intimate group will be discussing the creative process and impact of performing such a timely, socially conscious work. Date: Monday, May 13 Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m. with reception to follow Location: UC San Diego Mandeville Auditorium Tickets: This is a free event, please RSVP at Eventbrite.com Featuring Anthony Davis, composer and UC San Diego Distinguished Professor of Music Andreas Mitisek, director and Long Beach Opera Artistic and General Director Stephen Karr, conductor Neda St. Clair, pianist Cedric Berry as “Yusef Salaam” Bernard Holcomb as “Kevin Richardson” Nathan Granner as “Khorey Wise” Derrell Acon as “Antron McCray” Orson Van Gay as “Raymond Santana” “The Central Park Five” by Anthony Davis will premiere at Long Beach Opera on June 15, 22 and 23, 2019 at the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro, Calif. https://artsandhumanities.ucsd.edu/news-events/central-park-five.html