4 Things to Know About Four Saints in Three Acts

All-black cast of European saints The opera featured an all-black cast portraying European saints, which had no precedent in American history at the time.

Groundbreaking for its era This casting choice broke racial barriers in opera, challenging norms of the 1930s.

Not historically accurate The saints were European figures, not African or African American, making the casting a deliberate artistic statement.

Lasting impact It remains a landmark for diversity in classical music and theater.