Inside the cozy salon of a historic cypress cottage, a group of scholars, preservationists, and historians gathered to discuss efforts to protect a site steeped in cultural significance.
Nearly a century ago, this very place became the creative nexus when writers DuBose and Dorothy Heyward invited composer George Gershwin to their retreat on Folly Beach, South Carolina, affectionately called Follywood.
Gershwin was in the process of composing an opera inspired by DuBose Heyward’s novel 'Porgy,' which he adapted into a play with Dorothy Heyward. The narrative portrayed African American life in Charleston, and the Heywards believed Gershwin needed to experience the local environment, people, and culture firsthand. While Gershwin composed parts of the score in New York, his time in South Carolina produced timeless pieces like 'Summertime.'
Harlan Greene, an author and historian specializing in the Heywards and the opera, addressed a delicate issue during the meeting. He noted the absence of Black participants among the preservation advocates and acknowledged the complex history of cultural appropriation amid a diverse community.
'Porgy and Bess' is widely regarded as the Great American Opera, yet it carries the weight of America’s complicated racial history. The opera was groundbreaking in portraying Black characters as fully realized individuals during an era when such representation was rare, avoiding stereotypical depictions like blackface performances. Nevertheless, it has also faced criticism for perpetuating certain negative stereotypes.
