Fannie Lou, I'm Sick and Tired

A new opera honoring the voting rights freedom fighter Fannie Lou Hamer and the enduring power of a voice that refused to be silenced. South Shore Opera Company of Chicago (SSOCC) proudly announces the long-awaited Chicago premiere of Fannie Lou, I’m Sick and Tired at the historic Paul Robeson Theater at the South Shore Cultural Center. ​This powerful multimedia production brings the extraordinary life, courage, and voice of civil rights and voting rights freedom fighter Fannie Lou Hamer to the stage in a singular, one-night-only performance. A sharecropper born in poverty who became one of the most formidable voices of the American Civil Rights Movement, Fannie Lou Hamer helped register Black voters in Mississippi, co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, and became a nationally recognized advocate for voting rights and political representation. Her insistence on being heard — and her refusal to surrender in the face of intimidation and violence — made her a defining figure in the struggle for American democracy. The production stars acclaimed mezzo-soprano Qiana McNary as Fannie Lou Hamer, with a stellar ensemble cast featuring Warnell Berry as Pap, Joelle Lamarre as Ella, and Julian Otis as Robert Moses of the SNCC. SSOCC Artistic Director Maestro Leslie B. Dunner leads a 16-piece chamber orchestra in this full multimedia production. Maestro Dunner says, “Fannie Lou Hamer’s courage, conviction, humor, and extraordinary determination continue to speak directly to our current American moment, when voting rights again face challenges. We are thrilled to bring this important work to Chicago audiences and to begin our new season with her powerful voice.” The multimedia production is directed by Amy Hutchison, South Shore Opera Company of Chicago’s newly appointed Managing Director, with projections by Joseph Bondmass and Movement Direction by Faith Balderrama. Music by Richard Thompson Libretto by Cassandra Medley Qiana McNary — Fannie Lou Hamer Warnell Berry — Pap, Fannie’s husband Joelle Lamarre — Ella, Fannie’s mother Julian Otis — Robert Moses, SNCC Conductor: Maestro Leslie B. Dunner Director: Amy Hutchison Costumes: Janice Pytel Projections: Joseph Bondmass Movement Direction: Faith Balderrama