This photo captures a scene from Henry Box Brown. The musical draws on the rich legacy of 19th-century spirituals, which arose out of the suffering and hardships endured by enslaved peoples of African descent. These pieces often convey deep spiritual values and insights.“All these songs have come from oppression, from forgiveness of the oppressors, songs that distracted you from the brutality of the life that you were in, ”explains the show’ s musical director and co - composer.“All of these songs are connected to God…”