He was the “King of Ragtime” whose melodies filled America—but Scott Joplin’s 1910 opera nearly vanished from history. Now, 50 years after Joplin’s posthumous Pulitzer Prize, WNO presents his “forgotten opera” Treemonisha in a world premiere new production. This powerful work reimagines the incomplete piece with direction by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, musical arrangement and orchestrations by composer Damien Sneed, and dialogue and lyrics by playwright Kyle Bass.

Drawing on ragtime and folk music, the story follows young Treemonisha in post-reconstruction era Arkansas. Treemonisha is elected to lead her community away from conjurers and superstitions through the transformative power of education and family. As the finale nears, “A Real Slow Drag” offers a celebratory dance in Joplin’s signature style.

Joplin died before he could see his genius take root, but the seeds he planted have endured. Treemonisha’s deep roots have nourished its legacy—now it will flourish in its rightful place in the opera canon.

Find tickets on the Kennedy Center’s website here.