Chicago Opera Theater is set to world premiere “Quamino’s Map” on April 23, 2022.

The opera, which was composed by Errollyn Wallen and written by Deborah Brevoort, is inspired by S.I. Martin’s “Incomparable World.” The work tells the story of Juba Freeman who arrives in London after winning his freedom after fighting in the Revolutionary War. He meets Amelia Alumond, a member of the British Black gentry, and reconnects with several other ex-enslaved who are attempting to rebuild their lives.

“Commissioning new works is a central tenet of Chicago Opera Theater’s mission,” said COT Edlis Neeson General Director Ashley Magnus in an official press statement. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with such esteemed storytellers to bring this under-told historical moment to audiences in Chicago.”

The opera will be conducted by Jeri Lynne Johnson and directed by Kimille Howard. It will star Curtis Bannister, Flora Hawk, Damien Geter, Cameo Humes, Kimberly E. Jones, Joelle LaMarre, Tyrone Chambers II, Leah Dexter, and COT apprentice artists Keanon Kyles and Veena Akama-Makia.

Following the April 23 world premiere, the work will feature additional performances on April 29 and May 1, 2022.