Trae Holiday’s latest special highlighting the cast members and story of X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X aired on March 3rd. The groundbreaking opera finishes it’s Seattle run from March 1-9, and tickets are still available. The show follows the the life of Malcolm X through a series of biographical vignettes, and features a score by Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer Anthony Davis. Holiday will sit down with four actors from the cast - Anthony Davis, Kenneth Kellogg, Leah Hawkins, and Ibidunni Ojikutu - to discuss what the show means to them and how they’ve grown through their roles.

“I'm so elated that I got to spend some time with these panelists. They truly helped me understand more about the power of this show and how it helped them grow through the complexity of the music,” Holiday said. “Combining jazz tones throughout the story is a real nod to Anthony Davis' creative genius.”

The Opera has received rave reviews during it’s showings around the country. Holiday is excited to showcase her theater background during the special and have a truly memorable conversation.

“Having the time to dive into their experience of putting this together for the audience, underscored the value and the importance of the opera telling stories from all walks of life,” Holiday said.

Composer Anthony Davis’s journey with the opera began when it premiered at New York City Opera in 1986. He said it quickly became the most popular new opera ever done at the venue, and that his journey and career has been drastically shaped by it.

“They had busses coming from Harlem to Lincoln Center. Opening night was a 50% African American house, which at Lincoln Center is unprecedented,” Davis said.

Kenneth Kellogg, who currently plays the role of Malcolm X, said the opera is one of the most difficult he’s had to learn.

“It’s hard physically and emotionally to think about putting yourself in the shoes of a figure who did so much,” Kellogg said. “As a Black man in this country and as an artist, I identify with the journey of finding oneself.”

You can watch the full special above and purchase tickets to the remaining shows at McCaw Hall by clicking here