Explore the intersection of art, history, and identity through Knock Out!: The True Story of Emile Griffith and the opera Champion. Both works spotlight the remarkable life of Emile Griffith, a six-time world boxing champion whose journey grapples with themes of ambition, resilience, and the complexities of his identity as a bisexual man in the 20th century. These adaptations bring Griffith’s story to life in distinct yet complementary ways, offering powerful explorations of social justice, representation, and the transformative power of storytelling across mediums.

Table of Contents

• Lesson Plans & Materials
• Learning Resources
• Learning Resources
• Additional Industry Resources

Lesson Plans & Materials

Lesson #1: Exploring Story Adaptation

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Lesson #2: Responding to Key Scenes

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Lesson #3: Production Design Adaptation

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Supplemental Materials:

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Learning Resources:

Literature:

• Knock Out!: The True Story of Emile Griffith

Opera Videos:

• Met Opera on Demand

Films:

• Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story (2005)

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Additional Industry Resources:

• Met Opera Educator Guide

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