Porgy and Bess tells the story of the unshakeable love between Porgy, a crippled beggar, and Bess, a beautiful woman haunted by the demons of her past. The tight-knit African-American community of Catfish Row is shocked when Crown, Bess’ brutal, violent lover, murders Robbins during a craps game. Left with no one amongst people who look down on her, Bess is taken in by the kind Porgy. As their love grows, Bess seems finally free from her past as the two look to spend a long, happy life together. When Crown returns, Porgy and Bess’ relationship is put in peril, as Crown seeks to exert his control over her once more. Porgy and Bess was the final stage work of composer George Gershwin. A combination of opera, jazz, folk, and spirituals, this legendary and heartfelt opera is largely regarded as one of the finest American musical works of the 20th century.
Porgy and Bess guide sections
