New Opera West (NOW) has announced dates for its animation, film, and opera experience. The event, featuring three short films, a live performance, and conversations with the creators, will take place at Hudson Guild Theater in Los Angeles on June 17 and 19, 2022.

The films are “Pepito,” “Rain Will Come What May,” and “The Beginning of Everything: A Love Story.”

Composed by Nicolas Lell Benavides, to a libretto by Marella Martin Koch,  “Pepito” is an animated short that follows a couple struggling to choose the right dog to adopt. The film features the voices of mezzo-soprano Alexandra Christoforakis as Angie; soprano Alexandra Nowakowski as Camilla; bass Samuel J. Weiser as Pepito, and tenor Joshua Blue as David.

“Rain Will Come What May,” composed by Jiyoun Chung, with text by José Faus, is a musical short dedicated to the City of Los Angeles. The film explores the perseverance and resilience of love using haiku and music and features the voice of soprano Janet Szepei with pianist Mark Lanz Weiser.

Composer Joshua Brown, librettist Brandy N. Caire, and animation director Ankita Panda will showcase their animated opera short, “The Beginning of Everything: A Love Story.” The film is a meditation on a new way of seeing things when “me” becomes “us.” The film will feature a live vocal performance.

While the event is free, RSVPs are required due to limited seating. Audiences will be required to show proof of vaccination and valid ID upon entry and wear masks appropriately for the performance duration.