Sorry John Henry the song has no end is an experimental opera inspired by a 1940 production of John Henry which closed only 5 days after its New York premiere. The musical starred Paul Robeson in the title role alongside a notable cast including Ruby Elzy, Josh White, and Bayard Rustin. The project resurrects archival text, music, and images to reconsider stories of land, labor, and freedom that weave through the many renditions of the John Henry story, including the failed Broadway production.

directed by Ian Andrew Askew // text by mace dent johnson // music direction by Joshuah Brian Campbell // scenic design by Cheyanne Williams

co-created and performed by Dyani Douze, Eden Girma, Jasmine Wilson, Kiara Benn, Ian Andrew Askew, mace dent johnson, and Joshuah Brian Campbell // developed in collaboration with Khari Lucas, Gabriele Preston, Lauren Nicholson, Morgan Johnson, and Davóne Tines.

work-in-progress showings: Baryshnikov Arts Center, 2022 // Hubbard Hall, 2023
additional development: Mercury Store // Wake Forest University School of Divinity // The Vineyard Theatre

rehearsal images by Maria Baranova
video courtesy of BAC