Virginia Opera Premieres 'Loving v. Virginia' Touring April, May

Virginia Opera is premiering 'Loving v. Virginia,' an opera recounting the story of Richard and Mildred Loving, whose interracial marriage led to the landmark 1967 Supreme Court decision legalizing such unions nationwide. Directed by Denyce Graves-Montgomery and composed by Damien Geter with a libretto by Jessica Murphy Moo, the production highlights themes of love, resilience, and justice amid ongoing debates over the teaching of Black history. The opera debuts in Norfolk on April 25 before touring other Virginia cities, including Fairfax and Richmond. The creative team emphasizes the opera’s relevance, depicting how private acts of courage can drive significant societal change. This new work aims to inspire audiences by revisiting a pivotal moment in American civil rights history.