Verdi's opera un Ballo in Maschera was originally inspired by the assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden, but in attempts to get the story past first the Neapolitan censors and then in response to an attempted assassination of Emperor Napoleon III of France, the setting was moved to 17th century colonial Boston. The opera was important to the American Civil Rights movement since the specific characterisation of the character of UIrica led to Marian Anderson becoming the first African American woman to appear with the Metropolitan Opera in New York city when she sang the role of Ulrica in January 1955.
Readers should exercise caution since the setting of this production has been relocated to Civil War-era America and includes designs for several Black characters. Some of the files and the character types use now outdated and racially charged language and there are inclusions of racist and offensive symbols in the sets and props. One of the scenes takes place at a gallows so the files include designs for a prop recreating a hanging figure and the research material includes historic images of hangings.
The series includes research material, a copy of the libretto, costume sketches, research material, publicity material, production photographs, correspondence with the technical departments at the Staatsoper, fabric samples and sketches for scenery and props.