On Sept. 11, Sealaska Heritage Institute and Juneau’s Perseverance Theatre co-produced “Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles,” the first Tlingit opera in recorded history.

Composer Edward Littlefield and librettist Vera Starbard’s opera focuses on stories from the Tlingit-Russian Wars in Alaska and is based on historical facts and oral traditions as told from the Tlingit perspective. The work was created alongside translator and language consultant X’unei Lance Twitchell, and Rory Stitt who served as orchestrator.

The world premiere performance starred Naadaayi Héen Awsikoo, Sovereign Bill, Jessica Casulucan, Davina Cole, Carlyn Costales, Kira Apaachuaq Eckenweiler, Konrad Frank, Arnold Haube, Allan Diton Hayton, George Gunanaa Gooch Holly, Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, Madeline Soboleff Levy, Jaylynn Martin, Kenny Ray Ramos, Kaa Yahaayi Shkalneegi, Muriel Reed, Bo Shimmin, Yeeslanáalx Tláa, Kaachgún Rochelle Smallwood, Carolyn Marie Trebian, Āageitlge, Sydney Yaandushgéi Truitt, and Valentine Washington. Madeline Sayet directed and Littlefield served as music director.

“Ḵutulagaaw” loosely translates to “the war we are in.” The opera is performed in the Tlingit language and include a score grounded in Tlingit musical and performing arts traditions and events, some of which were formerly held in natural amphitheaters set in mountain valleys. The libretto highlights the relatively unknown history of the Russian War waged in Alaska first in 1802, and again in 1804. The opera also aims to challenge stereotypes that depict Indigenous societies as primitive and to humanize Native Peoples.

“The idea of creating a Tlingit Opera came to me after listening to recordings of oral accounts in the Sitka National Historic Park collection and reading historical accounts of the Tlingit-Russian war,” said Dr. Rosita Ḵaaháni Worl, president of Sealaska Heritage Institute on the official website. “One account described the moments before a battle. The Tlingit and Haida were waiting on the beach. As the women beat their drums, the fog lifted, revealing the approaching Russians. I could see them advancing and hear the chaos of war: drumbeats, yelling and metal clashing.”

“Kutulagaaw” was supported by the collaboration of Perseverance Theatre, the National Endowment for the Arts, the First Peoples Fund, the National New Play Network, and the Mellon Foundation. The world premiere took place at Thunder Mountain Middle School auditorium.