There’s an unexpected, futuristic twist in the revival of the Anthony Davis opera “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X,” the original of which was first staged nearly four decades ago: A spaceship hovers over the stage throughout the entire production, and names familiar and perhaps unfamiliar scroll along the contours of the vessel.

The Met Opera work, which opened last week at Lincoln Center, traces the life of the Black civil rights leader, from his childhood in Michigan to his final moments, when he was gunned down at age 39 in Audubon Ballroom, Washington Heights. Opening night was a glamorous affair, drawing notable Black figures including actress Lupita Nyong’o, scholar and philosopher Cornel West and the Rev. Al Sharpton.

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