Since 1935, the opera “Porgy and Bess” has received national and worldwide acclaim, yet it did not debut in Charleston, SC, the city of its birth, until 1970, due to segregation laws. The amateur production garnered national attention and was praised for “bringing the races together.” Every cast member went on to do formidable things, including presidentially-appointed Dr. Annette McKenzie Anderson and Former South Carolina House Representatives Floyd Breeland and Judge Daniel Martin, Sr. (retired). “When Porgy Came Home” tells the stories behind the people and culture that inspired author Dubose Heyward, shares untold stories of the original actors from the 1970 Gaillard Auditorium production, and reflects on the impact the 14-day performance had on the city since. Through unearthed photos, home recordings, archival footage, and interviews, this cinema-verité style documentary reflects how amateur singers honored their Gullah Geechee heritage and made history amidst workers’ strikes and school integration protests.

Director | Lauren Waring Douglas
Website | Whenporgycamehome.com