In an evening that will be remembered for years to come, Sylvia Ann Soares delivered an awe-inspiring performance of her one-woman show, “Defiance! Art and Life,” at the RISD Museum Auditorium. The portrayal of Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, an artist whose life was marked by immense struggles and resounding triumphs, was brought to life in a manner that can only be described as world-class. Soares’ profound embodiment of Prophet transformed the stage into a living, breathing canvas of historical narrative and emotional depth.
From the moment the lights dimmed, and Soares began her portrayal, it was clear that the audience was in for an extraordinary experience. Following her initial dramatic reading of Prophet’s Paris diary at RISD Museum in 2014 and at the Brooklyn Museum of Art in 2015, Soares has meticulously crafted and honed sixteen versions of solos in her “Defiance!” series. This performance, in particular, stood out as a pinnacle of her dedication and artistic prowess.
In “Defiance! Art and Life,” Soares revisited primary sources to delve into the later years of Prophet’s life. The narrative captured a wiser, yet fervently passionate Prophet, who emotionally recounted her career’s struggles and successes. Soares’ portrayal was nothing short of mesmerizing; every gesture, every intonation, embodied the spirit of Prophet. The audience was not merely watching a performance; they were witnessing history come alive.
Prophet’s determination to sculpt, despite facing severe fiscal, physical, and artistic challenges, was portrayed with heartfelt intensity. Soares seamlessly navigated through the various facets of Prophet’s life, including her association with W.E.B. DuBois, her teaching tenure at Spelman College, and her experiences with racial misrepresentation. Soares’ interpretation of Prophet’s poetry and essay on “Art and Life” added layers of philosophical reflection, resonating deeply with the audience.
Presented in conjunction with the RISD exhibition, “Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend An Inch,” the performance was more than just a tribute; it was an immersive journey into the essence of an artist who defied the odds.
Soares, at 82, showcased not only her immense talent but also her unwavering commitment to bringing Prophet’s story to the forefront. Her extensive background—ranging from performances in major regional theatres, national tours, and television series was evident in the nuance and depth of her performance.
Native to Providence, Sylvia Ann Soares, theatre artist, activist. CCRI ’93; Brown ’95. Actors Equity; SAG-AFTRA, won lead roles at Lincoln University, MO, ’59-’61. She joined Trinity Rep in 1962 and left to perform overseas, in Washington DC, Off-Broadway, in major regional theatres, on national tours and in 70s television series, before returning in 1981. She is seen in Netflix Three Sovereigns for Sarah about the Salem witch trials that aired in 1985 for PBS American Playhouse.
In 2013, Ray Rickman, and Robb Dimmick from Stages of Freedom, invited Soares to participate in a week-end event, “The Art and Life of Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: Black Sculptress. Calm Assurance and Savage Pleasure,” presented at the John Brown House. Since the initial 2014 RISD Museum reading of Prophet’s diary, Soares performed Prophet’s diary for Brooklyn Museum of Art in 2015. In her Defiance! Series, Soares has enacted Prophet in varied solos twenty times.
Local audiences have had the privilege of witnessing Soares’ renditions of Prophet at esteemed venues like Trinity Repertory Company, Newport Art Museum, and The Wilbury Theatre Group, among others. However, this particular performance at the RISD Museum Auditorium was a testament to her artistic evolution and an homage to Prophet’s enduring legacy.
Sylvia Ann Soares’ portrayal of Nancy Elizabeth Prophet in “Defiance! Art and Life” is a masterclass in solo performance. Her ability to channel the complexities of Prophet’s life into a seamless, engaging narrative is a rare and exceptional talent. This performance was not just a play; it was an emotional, educational, and inspirational experience that left the audience in profound contemplation of the enduring power of art and resilience.
For those fortunate enough to have attended, this performance will remain a highlight in the annals of theatrical excellence. For Sylvia Ann Soares, it stands as yet another crowning achievement in a distinguished and impactful career.
Upcoming dates of her ongoing Defiance! Series to be announced.
Judith Clinton is a playwright, screenwriter, and theatre producer, with a rich background in dramatic arts. She trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Circle in the Square in NYC. She has degrees in theatre from Eastern Connecticut State University and Salve Regina and is an advocate for theatre as social activism. Besides her own plays, for 20 years she collaborated with her late husband Edward, on film and television scripts for major studios, Warner Bros, Disney and MGM. For ten years she ran an annual playwrighting retreat in Stonington CT, where new plays were written and developed for production. After moving to Rhode Island in 2022, Judith now continues her involvement with theater in Providence.
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