I am from Australia. Born here on lands that were stolen from those already here before my ancestors came. Our history so very different from Americas and yet I find this conversation captivating. The investigation into the real stories, the historical twisting of truth, the lies. The beauty of taking this man's story and revealing a depth of understanding of lives in the past. The depiction of the ordinary human condition and its strengths and resilience in such horrific circumstances. The power of music that survived and went on to impact the entire planet. The development of our modern english language and recognising that immersed within are words from hundreds of years ago from West Africa. Some of these expressions you mentioned even now part of general english language, not just American English. I would love to be able to see the opera. I wonder if it will travel. It is a story of American history but also a story of world history. I am very familiar with Rhiannon Giddens' music ( a truly brilliant musician)and it has been through my following of her work that I have discovered this story.