WTJX to Air Opera “Champion”, the Story of Boxer and St. Thomas Native Emile Griffith

WTJX-TV Channel 12 is set to present the opera “Champion”, an evocative narrative penned by six-time Grammy Award-winning composer Terence Blanchard, which premiered at the Met earlier this year. The broadcast will bring the poignant tale of Emile Griffith, a St. Thomas native and boxer, into the homes of viewers this Sunday. “Champion” delves into the complexities of Griffith’s life, from his beginnings as a hatmaker to rising through the ranks to become a world boxing champion. The opera addresses the pivotal and tragic event where Griffith, a closeted bisexual, fatally injured his homophobic opponent in a match, a moment that is etched in the annals of sports history. The production features bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green as the younger Griffith, navigating the world of prizefighting and personal struggle, while bass-baritone Eric Owens delivers a haunting performance as the older Griffith, tormented by memories and specters from his past. The cast also includes soprano Latonia M...