Porgy & Bess

“Porgy and Bess” is an opera composed by George Gershwin, with a libretto written by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin. It was first performed in 1935 and is based on Heyward’s novel “Porgy.” The opera tells the story of Porgy, a disabled African-American beggar, and his attempts to rescue Bess, a woman who is involved with Crown, a violent and possessive man. The opera explores themes of poverty, race, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unjust world.

In 1993, the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp featuring an image of the original 1935 poster for “Porgy and Bess.” The stamp is part of the Performing Arts Series and is valued at 29 cents. The stamp pays tribute to the cultural significance of “Porgy and Bess” as one of the most important American operas of the 20th century. The stamp features a colorful design that captures the spirit and energy of the original poster, which was created by the artist Al Hirschfeld.