Louis Johnson papers, 1930-2020, bulk 1950-2020

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Series III: Director, 1971-2004

This series collects notes, notebooks, photographs, posters, programs, scripts, and scores related to works of musical theater and opera that Johnson directed. This also includes original productions written by Johnson, such as Deep Ellum Blues (1986), Frederick Douglass (1991), Niggers (1976), and Tid Bits (1990). In addition to work with New York-based organizations such as The Orchestra of the City of New York and Johnson's own companies, this series contains work Johnson did with Howard University in Washington D.C., theater organizations in Houston, TX, the New Jersey State Opera, and the Michigan Opera Theatre. Also found in this series is material related to the production Miss Truth, written by Glory Van Scott, Johnson's longtime friend and collaborator who cared for him in his later life and donated this collection.



Box 6 Folder 6 The Believers, Undated


Box 6 Folder 7 The Capitol Ballet Benefit Gala, 1987


Box 6 Folder 8-9 Deep Ellum Blues, 1986


Box 6 Folder 10 Ebony Game, Undated


Box 6 Folder 11 Esteban, Undated

Kennedy Center


Box 6 Folder 12 Fannie Lou, Undated


Box 6 Folder 13 Follow the Star, 2004


Box 6 Folder 14 Fortitude, Undated


Box 6 Folder 15 Frederick Douglass, 1991

New Jersey State Opera



Box 7 Folder 1 Jazzbo Brown, 1979

City Lights Theatre


Box 7 Folder 2 Jordan, 2001

Seems to be uproduced musical


Box 7 Folder 3-4 Miss Truth, 1971-2003


Box 7 Folder 5-6 Niggers (Folders 1-2, of 4), 1976

Howard University



Box 8 Folder 1-2 Niggers (Folders 3-4, of 4), 1976

Howard University


Box 8 Folder 3 Night Songs, Undated


Box 8 Folder 4 Porgy and Bess, 1982

Michigan Opera Theatre


Box 8 Folder 5 The Soldier's Tale, 1972

The Orchestra of the City of New York


Box 8 Folder 6-8 Someday I'm Gonna Have a House with Glass Windows, 1985


Box 8 Folder 9 Something to Do, 1976



Box 9 Folder 1-2 Tid Bits, 1990


Box 9 Folder 3 Time and the Wind, 1995