Free, but reservations required. Click here to reserve your spot!

In support of Virginia Opera’s world premiere production of Loving v. Virginia, co-commissioned with the Richmond Symphony, this legal panel discusses the origins, challenges, and significance of the 1967 Supreme Court ruling that struck down state laws banning marriage between individuals of different races. Panel participants will include Mary Bauer, Executive Director of ACLU-VA, as well as other constitutional scholars, historians, active attorneys and/or judges, and experts in the area. There will be a brief Q & A session following the discussion. 

This event is offered in conjunction with the Center for the Arts at George Mason University’s May 3–4 performances of the world premiere opera—composed by Damien Geter, with libretto by Jessica Murphy Moo, and directed by Denyce Graves. Loving v. Virginia is based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving, a married couple from Central Point, VA, who were criminally charged for their interracial marriage and forced to leave the state to avoid prison sentences, then took their case to the Supreme Court and won this landmark victory for civil rights in the United States. This complimentary event is an open-to-the-public presentation of the Friends of the Center for the Arts Artists in Conversation Series.

Co-presented by the City of Fairfax and Center for the Arts at George Mason University

Mark your calendar for Monday, March 17  at 3 pm for the VA Opera Touring Program: Loving v. Virginia at the Sherwood Center.  Click here for more information!