At 5 p.m. on August 31, Union Chapel was filled with Vineyarders eager to see and hear what 1854 folk opera was all about. They knew Jim Thomas’s spiritual choir was an important part of it. Close to 50 public-spirited Islanders had spent numerous hours rehearsing spoken parts of slave songs with musical assistance by organist and musical participant Phil Dietterich.

Before his death in 2015, Jack Schimmelman wrote the first act about a proclamation Edgartown leaders in 1854 wanted to send to state legislators opposing slavery. Susannah Sturgis wrote the second act and enthusiastic choir members rounded up friends from all the Island towns who gave countless hours in the August heat to present the reading with music.

In the present climate of our nation, this interracial presentation was especially heartwarming, to say the least. Audience reaction surely persuaded participants that a full-fledged production of 1854 Folk Opera must take place next summer. Everyone on hand on August 31 will look forward to it.

Leigh Smith

Vineyard Haven