UK Opera Theatre presents Underground Railroad story ‘Sanctuary Road’
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2025) — University of Kentucky Opera Theatre (UKOT) presents “Sanctuary Road,” an American opera by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Moravec and librettist Mark Campbell, March 7-9 at the Lexington Opera House.
Inspired by the writings of William Still, known as the “Father of the Underground Railroad,” this stunningly beautiful and emotional opera relives the telling of enslaved peoples’ journeys to freedom, as they recounted their tales to Still, who documented their stories and helped them find safe passage. Among the compelling vignettes is the story of William Still’s brother, Peter Still, who was sold into slavery in Lexington, Kentucky, with local ties that exist to this day.
“‘Sanctuary Road’ also has significance to Lexington because William Still’s great-great-great-niece and -nephew attended the University of Kentucky,” said Everett McCorvey, D.M.A., UK Opera Theatre director. “UK basketball great Valerie Still and UK Hall of Fame football great Art Still were both descendants of William Still. Also noted African American composer William Grant Still is a descendant in this family line. Both Valerie Still and Art Still will attend the weekend productions.”
Valerie Still said she looked forward to honoring her family with UK Opera Theatre.
“As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Lexington, Kentucky, I’m thrilled that part of this yearlong celebration is the recognition and honoring of the Still family in Lexington with UK Opera Theatre presenting ‘Sanctuary Road,’” she said. “Most Kentuckians know my brother Art and I as UK’s most dominant brother and sister athletic superstars. But the Still family legacy is much more than that. It is a legacy of faith, freedom, fellowship and family. It is a legacy of self-respect, self-awareness, self-sovereignty and self-empowerment. It is a legacy of fearless, altruistic superstars.”
Valerie Still said her great-great-great uncles Levin Jr. and Peter were sold to a man in Lexington shortly after it was established. Their youngest brother William would eventually become the most important and powerful abolitionist in the operations of the Underground Railroad.
“Over 170 years later I accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Kentucky,” Valerie Still said. “‘Sanctuary Road’, tells our story. This story is one that unites, inspires, uplifts, empowers and reminds us that we all are superstars…pure, positive, peaceful, powerful, unlimited energy.”
Sung in English with English supertitles, the one-hour opera offers a moving portrayal of the resilience and courage of those who escaped slavery, as told through Still’s meticulous records. Each performance will be followed by a talkback with members of the cast and creative team.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8; and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com, or by calling the Central Bank Center ticket office at 859-233-3535 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. All phone orders include a per ticket service fee.
“Sanctuary Road” is presented as part of “Telling America’s Stories,” a three-year initiative of UK Opera Theatre dedicated to amplifying overlooked narratives in operatic repertoire. Published by Subito Music Corporation, “Sanctuary Road” is produced in partnership with 250Lex, the University of Kentucky Office of Community Relations and UK Women in Philanthropy, with media support from WKYT. The series will continue with the spring 2026 production of “A Nation of Oothers,” an Ellis Island story set in 1921. UK Opera Theatre is considering several options for its 2026-27 installment.
For more information about the production, visit https://finearts.uky.edu/music/sanctuary-road.
‘Sanctuary Road’/‘Freedom Train’ opening night reception
Following the Friday, March 7 opening night performance, UKOT invites guests to the “Sanctuary Road”/“Freedom Train” opening night reception. Attendees will enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne, chocolates, light hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. The evening will also feature a silent auction with autographed sports memorabilia.
Distinguished guests for the reception include Valerie Still and Art Still, descendants of abolitionist William Still; Basil Watson, the internationally celebrated artist who created the Lewis and Harriet Hayden memorial; and McCorvey. Cast members from “Sanctuary Road” will also attend.
Tickets for the reception are available at ticketmaster.com. The reception is a separately ticketed event; attendance at the performance is not required to participate. Proceeds from this event benefit the Lexington Freedom Train project. For more information on the Lexington Freedom Train, visit www.lexfreedomtrain.org.
The event is sponsored by LexArts and UK Opera Theatre.
About UK Opera Theatre
University of Kentucky Opera Theatre is committed to presenting innovative and impactful productions that celebrate diverse voices and historical narratives. Under the leadership of Everett McCorvey, UK Opera Theatre continues to provide world-class performances while fostering the next generation of operatic talent.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.