Porgy and BESS: finding strength and HOPE

What does it mean to witness a woman trying to survive? In this episode, Amity turns her lens toward one of the most complex female roles in the American repertoire: Bess in Porgy and Bess. In conversation with acclaimed soprano Michelle Bradley, who brings Bess to life with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, this episode explores autonomy, embodiment, vulnerability, and presence under pressure. Together, they unpack the musical and dramatic architecture of Gershwin’s score, from the fragile hope of “Bess, You Is My Woman Now” to the quiet devastation of the final act. Through a contemporary lens — touching on community care, harm reduction, and moral agency — this conversation asks not whether Bess is redeemable, but what she asks of us as witnesses. Amity also guides listeners through key scenes that illuminate Bess’s development, offering context for opera newcomers and seasoned music lovers alike. Whether you love opera, musical theatre, or jazz, this episode reveals how Porgy and Bess continues to shape American sound — and why it resonates deeply in Kansas City in 2026. This is not an episode about resolving Bess. It’s about staying with her.