Chicago-based Thompson Street Opera will premiere my new opera these wings are meant to fly as part of their annual event “Faulty Systems.” These are multi-disciplinary events that bring together artists and activists from around Chicago, organized around a particular social justice theme. This year, “Faulty Systems V: Speaking Out” will highlight the joys and traumas of the LGBTQ+ community.

The event will be streamed and will feature an opening speech by Chicago Alderwoman and local queer icon Maria Hadden, along with Thompson Street Opera collaborators: YEPP (Youth Empowerment Performance Project), Sky Cubacub (founder of Rebirth Garments), Andersonville Psychology, and Lakeside Pride.

these wings are meant to fly is a short opera on a libretto by playwright Zac Kline. In the opera, the Soloist is home alone but crowded by memories of the partner they recently lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting. The two of them were there dancing that horrible night in June; one survived, one didn’t. The feelings of loss, regret and guilt come in waves, just as the well-meaning text messages from friends and loved ones who share the pain of this tragedy. This premiere is directed by Bonsai Bermúdez with musical direction by Alexandra Enyart.

Links and details about the Live-Stream can be found on the Facebook Event page:
https://fb.me/e/14uxswb7l

Details about the opera can be found here:

these wings are meant to fly