Passion, jealousy, murder, poverty, make up the heady brew of this evocative story. Porgy, a downtrodden but generous beggar, haunts the streets known as Catfish Row, a poor district of early 20th century segregated Charleston, South Carolina. Ardently in love with the prostitute Bess, Porgy has to share his affections with her violent former lover Crown and the roguish suitor Spotin Life. Written by George Gershwin to a libretto by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin, PORGY AND BESS has enjoyed spectacular fame all over the world since its first modest production in New York City, October 1935. This operatic masterpiece has spawned a string of hit songs that have become international icons of the American tradition.