Opera Southwest is set to present “Before Night Falls” this February and March.

Opening on Feb. 25, 2024, and with subsequent performances on March 1 and 3, the work by Jorge Martín-Buján and Dolores M. Koch will be showcased at the National Hispanic Cultural Center-Journal Theatre in Albuquerque.

Based on the autobiography by Reinaldo Arenas, the opera premiered in 2010 at Fort Worth Opera. It follows the gay Cuban novelist, poet, political dissident, and playwright during his time in prison and his escape to the U.S.A.

This production at Opera Southwest represents just the third time the opera is presented. It will be showcased in collaboration with the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus. It stars Brian James Myer, Laura Leon, Olga Perez Flora, Javier Ortiz, and Radnel Ofalsa. Enrique Carreón Robledo conducts and John De Los Santos directs.