Champion

Learning resources for middle school and high school classrooms

We are excited to give teachers and students a glimpse into the story, music and images of Lyric’s 2023 production of Champion. The presentation below serves to prepare classes for the performance experience. It can be used as a quick reference or a longer study guide with prompts for deeper consideration both before and after coming to the theater.

This slide deck contains:

  • A list of characters
  • A summary of the story
  • Literary and artistic themes
  • Listening examples
  • About the writers
  • Discussion prompts

Videos

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Justin Austin sings "What Makes a Man a Man" from Blanchard's CHAMPION

Ahead of his fateful fight with Benny "Kid" Paret, Emile Griffith (sung here by baritone Justin Austin) finds himself torn between societal expectations and the desire to be his true self.

Terence Blanchard's CHAMPION: Training Scene

Watch fists and feet fly like the wind in this training montage from Terence Blanchard's Champion — an "opera in jazz" based on the true story of world champion boxer Emile Griffith.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Blanchard's CHAMPION

Champion, an opera by Terence Blanchard with libretto by Michael Cristofer, tells the true story of welterweight boxer Emile Griffith who is haunted by guilt. This “opera in jazz” features a brilliant cast, including Reginald Smith, Jr. and Justin Austin, and is led by Music Director Enrique Mazzola.

 

Exploring the dance of CHAMPION

In this interview, Associate Choreographer Christopher Jackson discusses the "gumbo" of dance found in Terence Blanchard's Champion. From samba to solid gold, take a peek inside the rehearsal room as dancers bring award-winning choreographer Camille A. Brown's vision to life.

Director James Robinson on Blanchard's CHAMPION

Who is Emile Griffith? Learn about the world champion boxer and see how his story inspired Grammy Award-winning composer Terence Blanchard's first foray into opera in this interview with director James Robinson.

FIRST LOOK: Photoshoot for Blanchard's CHAMPION

Take a first look at Justin Austin (Young Emile) as he does promotional photos for Lyric Opera's upcoming presentation of Terence Blanchard and Michael Cristofer's Champion.

Header photo: Scott Suchman/Washington National Opera