Hawaii Opera Theatre has announced that it will be postponing its 2020-21 mainstage season and replacing it with a Digital initiative.

The company was originally set ot perform “Madame Butterfly,” “Orpheus in the Underworld,” and “If I Were You” as part of its 2020-21 slate. However, due to ongoing concerns over COVID-19, the company has moved the three productions to the 2021-22 season with many of the same cast members, conductors, and directors as possible. More details will come as they are finalized.

In the meantime, the organization will present its first digital season, entitled “Stream HOT – Back to ‘Live.’” Through the digital medium, the company will present arias as well as one-act operas including Mozart’s “Bastien und Bastienne,” Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” and Laura Kaminsky’s “Hometown to the World,” among others.

The company will also seek out ways to connect with audiences in person via special events, including screening parties.

Moreover, the company will explore new kinds of digital content with local artists, including Opera Kanikapila, a fusion of opera with local culture.