Denyce Graves is Breaking Patterns of Expectation

Written by

Peter Hathothuwa

Denyce Graves is an artist and master who has shattered preconceptions of what opera can be. For all its beauty and rich history, opera has been thought of as an elitist art form, inaccessible to the common person. Ms. Graves shifts that narrative, by pushing the standards of excellence to new heights while violating preconceived notions of what an opera star looks like.

I have noticed that Ms. Graves carries herself with a regality that she pairs with humility and authenticity - it's rare to encounter someone so reconciled with their own greatness, who fully occupies their place in the world without allowing their gift to define them. Many have the skill, and many have great abilities; few have the heart of a master artist. This, combined with Ms. Graves' ability to transcend genres and mediums, is something powerful and unique.

Denyce Graves with the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Her role in Through the Fire, then, is incredibly special because she will be telling a story that aligns perfectly with her own penchant for breaking patterns of expectation. Without giving too much away, the film is also full of narratives that defy convention, and this alignment of real-life and the storylines of Through the Fire could not be a better fit. Add to this Ms. Graves' ability to convey emotion and make a visceral connection with any audience or viewer, and you have an incredible combination.

Finally, about TTF - this film is important for many reasons. The characters it represents are deeply human and imperfect, and the film's emotional arc is more than one-way traffic of laughs or tears; instead, there is a push-pull of comedy and moments full of drama. The film also handles complex narratives gracefully, without taking itself too seriously. Ms. Graves and the rest of the cast are going to be breaking new ground with Through the Fire, and I for one cannot wait to see this amazing story brought to life.

-Peter Hath (6.11.21)