Washington Performing Arts’ Post

Washington Performing Arts was honored to receive the Mayor’s Arts Award in Excellence in the Creative Industries last week at The National Theatre. Below is an except from President & CEO Jenny Bilfield's acceptance speech.    "A little over 80 years ago, the extraordinary baritone and Howard University professor Todd Duncan, who originated the role of Porgy in 'Porgy and Bess,' was traveling here with that production. He led the effort and went on strike with the cast until the audience could be fully integrated (at The National Theatre). This was in the early 1940s. ... He was our first board chair at Washington Performing Arts. When we say we stand on the shoulders of the people who came before us, that is profoundly and deeply felt. ... It is a privilege to accept this on behalf of our team.”    Read more about the event from The Georgetowner https://lnkd.in/eiduyRtb