The music department at the University of Texas made national headlines in the 1950s when student Barbara Smith Conrad was cast in the opera "Dido and Aeneas."
The gifted mezzo-soprano appeared to be an obvious choice for the production, but her skin color brought a backlash against the black student. Conrad was removed from the cast as the university feared funding cuts from the Texas Legislature. Targeted by racists and the press, Conrad found support from friends, family, and her own strength of character. She went on to bigger stages and worldwide acclaim.
The documentary "When I Rise" tells Conrad's story from her childhood in East Texas, conflict on the college campus and struggle and triumph in music's most daunting arena.
Sunday's screening during the SXSW Film Festival brought the crowd at the Paramount Theatre to its feet in thundering appreciation for the singer who struggled against injustice with dignity and grace.
Conrad responded to questions from the audience with pride, warmth and humor.
"When I Rise" screens again March 17 at the Paramount.
Visit SXSW.com or whenirisefilm.com for more information.
