On March 25 and 27, 2022, Opera Santa Barbara will present the 50th production of “As One” at the Lobero Theater.

The opera shares the journey of Hannah, a transgender woman discovering her gender identity and self-acceptance. Hannah is portrayed by two singers; Hannah before will be sung by Evan Bravos and Hannah after will be performed by Ashley Armstrong. Amy Hutchison directs and transgender conductor Alexis Enyart leads the string quartet.

Leading up to the performances, a series of events will take place to engage, educate, and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically the transgender community. Jonathan Muñoz-Proulx (he/him/his) who is developing the outreach programming says, “As One” creates an opportunity to more deeply engage our local LGBTQIA+ community and allies, to center transgender voices in our partnerships, and to expand the narrative around transgender experiences to be as inclusive and intersectional as possible.”

On March 24 Composer Laura Kaminsky and co-librettist Mark Campbell will join a round table discussion and be in attendance for the first performance.