dwb (driving while black)

Each season DMMO creates collaborations with community partners across the Des Moines metro as part of our 2nd Stages Series. Now in its 10th year, the series presents operas focused on contemporary issues in our communities in welcoming and accessible spaces.

Susan Kander and Roberta Gumbel’s dwb (driving while black) tackles what it means to be a parent of a Black child who starts driving. In its swift 45 minutes, the listener spends 16 years with a Black mother, feeling her growing fear as her Black son moves towards driving age.

“We are excited to be partnering with three Des Moines metro organizations: Mainframe Studios, Hope+Elim and Viking Theatre at Grand View University, in addition to creating a meaningful statewide impact through a collaboration with the African American Museum of Iowa,” said DMMO Communications and Engagement Director Blake Carlson. Each of the dwb performances will feature a community talkback discussion.

The June 16 performance is part of the African American Museum of Iowa’s 2023 Juneteenth observance and will take place in the Whipple Auditorium at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. “AAMI is thrilled to partner with Des Moines Metro Opera for such a provocative storytelling performance as dwb (driving while black). This performance will move our audiences because of the talented artistry of Roberta Gumbel and Susan Kander, and it will resonate on such a deep and personal level for many,” said AAMI Executive Director LaNisha Cassell. “We are grateful to DMMO for this opportunity to showcase the Museum’s unapologetic demonstration of our mission to preserve and teach African American history.”

June 16 performance at Cedar Rapids Public Library

July 8 performance at Mainframe Studios

July 15 performance at Hope+Elim

July 21 performances at Viking Theatre