heroes

2021

THE OLD STATUES HAVE BEEN PULLED DOWN. WHAT NEW FIGURES WILL TAKE THEIR PLACE?

As we slowly emerge from a pandemic and an era of toxic politics, holding heightened perspectives on social justice, global citizenship, and environmental concerns - many of yesterday’s icons no longer serve us as we stride into the heart of the 21st century. This October, the indie companies of the Decameron Opera Coalition return to your favorite small screen with HEROES - eight world premiere opera short films presented in four episodes, all framed by original art songs by Hilliard and Boresi, with special guest Karen Slack.

Our diverse collection of creators explore the meaning of heroism and profile unsung, unconventional, or misunderstood heroes from varying eras and geographies. HEROES looks forward into a new era of innovation in opera and to increasingly enlightened perspectives on who we hold up as role models and why. Some of the subjects include Hazel Johnson, the “Mother of Environmental Activism”, a Pay-What-You-Can Cafe in an urban food desert, and even the everyday heroes in and around all of our lives.

tales from a safe distance

2020

Ten friends last saw one another on a starlit rooftop in Florence. Now, their only way to share a toast is via a video call from their pandemic lockdown locations. How to pass the time when no one has new developments to share? Make up stories! But will they inspire one another to overcome their COVID-era ennui?