An opera focused on the deities of Egyptian mythology. Shondj, will tell stories based on myth much like Wagner did with Nordic Deities.
Djoré Nance, Composer
Takesha Meshé Kizart-Thomas, Librettist
Djoré was seen starring as Langston Huges in Carlyle Brown's Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been at Stage West and James in the world premiere of Regina Taylor's Bread at the WaterTower Theatre. On camera Djoré can be seen starring in several episodes of the new HBO Series, Random Acts Of Flyness.
From leading roles with many storied institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera and Sydney Opera House, to sharing the stage with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and Wynton Marsalis, to collaborating with Broadway in Chicago and HBO, she also brings her global view to building community, education, and innovation.
Dr. D. Vincent Thomas Jr., PhD, M.T.S., Dramaturg
With a love for the intersectionality of philosophy, history, theology, and politics he has attained a Ph.D in Public Policy and Administration, a Masters Degree in Theological Studies, and a double B.A. in Philosophy and Theology.
Creators Journal
Selvies
Sessions
Mini Doc
Libretto Reading
Shondj Sing Sample
Synopsis: Shondj
shondj • The Proposal
Curator discussion
with Michael Morgan, Jonathan Khuner & Emilie Whelan
Artist Interviews: Shondj
Get to know them: First Opera Stories
previous work samples
Composer Djoré nance introduces Finally Free
Librettist Takesha Meshé Kizart-Thomas
introduces Jendayis Prayer
Dr. D. Vincent Thomas Jr. introduces
A duet from shondj
Audio of Finally Free
Audio of Jendayis Prayer
Audio of a duet from shondj
Djoré nance Bio:
Djoré Nance (Composer) is a multi-faceted artist who is recognized for his work as an actor, singer, and musician. Recently, Djoré was seen starring as Langston Huges in Carlyle Brown's Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been at Stage West and James in the world premiere of Regina Taylor's Bread at the WaterTower Theatre. On camera Djoré can be seen starring in several episodes of the new HBO Series Random Acts Of Flyness. Mr. Nance recently performed his one-man show about police brutality and systemic racism, #blandjustice, at Dallas' Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Djoré's musical pursuits have taken him to Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, New York City Opera, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, to name a few. Djoré's training includes Jazz Studies, arranging, and conducting from the University of North Texas, an advanced degree in voice from New York's Juilliard School and Stella Adler Studio of Acting's Black Arts Theatre Institute. Djoré is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association.
Takesha Meshé Kizart-Thomas Bio:
Multi-disciplinary performing artist, Mrs. Takesha Meshé Kizart-Thomas (Librettist) is a vocally and visually stunning force on stage and screen. From leading roles with many storied institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera and Sydney Opera House, to sharing the stage with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and Wynton Marsalis, to collaborating with Broadway in Chicago and HBO, she also brings her global view to building community, education, and innovation. This is evidenced by her recent partnerships with Booker T. Washington H.S. for the Performing and Visual Arts, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well as her 15+ years of experience as a Master Vocal Technician, Coach, Songwriter, and Arranger who specializes in holistically integrating and freeing one’s Mind, Body, and Spirit. A performer since the age of two, and counting music legends McKinley “Muddy Waters” Morganfield and Tina Turner among her relations, she consistently propels her vision of uniting tradition with innovation in all she creates.
Dr. D. Vincent Thomas Jr., PhD, M.T.S. Bio:
Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, Dr. D. Vincent Thomas Jr., PhD, M.T.S. (Dramaturg) was also trained as an Operations Specialist and Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist in the areas of Counter-Narcotics, Counter-Terrorism, and Emergency Response. With a love for the intersectionality of philosophy, history, theology, and politics he has attained a Ph.D in Public Policy and Administration, a Masters Degree in Theological Studies, and a double B.A. in Philosophy and Theology. He has also served as a Professor with Elmhurst University and DePaul University in the areas of Political Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy, Ethics, Moral Philosophy, and Political Science specifically American Government, Comparative Politics, and International Relations.