When I Rise

Last night we attended the premiere of When I Rise, a documentary directed and produced by our friends. It tells the story of Barbara Smith Conrad, who was expelled from the lead role in an opera at UT in the 50's due to racial backlash fueled by the Texas Legislature. She responded with grace and went on to become an international opera star. It was a captivating film that made me laugh and cry, and really brought to life the heartbreak and atrocity of the time period. If you get a chance to see the film, I highly recommend it. It is screening locally again March 17 at 11:30 a.m. at The Paramount. Kudos to Mat and Beth for their amazing talent in portraying such depth on film!