Viewing Fallujah by Long Beach Opera

Thanks to this blog I get to do a lot of fun things. I’m very lucky to live where I live and enjoy all the privilege that comes with it. But life isn’t always about fun and games. Recently, I was invited to be in the audience at a historic event – the  world premier broadcast of the opera Fallujah. As you may have discerned from the title its subject is the Iraq War – the source of much tragedy in our recent history. I must admit I was hesitant to accept the invite. I love opera and while often tragic in nature the ones I’ve seen took place long ago and were completely fictional. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to witness a recent true life tragedy. Yet, I knew I had to go. As Santayana stated, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” And the Iraq War, no matter one’s view on it, cannot be forgotten.

Courtesy of KCET

Tobin Stokes Fallujah is inspired by true events in the life of USMC Sergeant Christian Ellis. A veteran of the Iraq War Ellis served in Fallujah in 2004 and was one of a few survivors of an ambush on his platoon. He suffered a broken back in the event and experienced PTSD upon his return home. While on a therapeutic fishing trip Ellis was able to share his story with Charles Annenberg Weingarten of explore.org. Thanks to a grant from the organization Ellis’ story was turned into a brand new opera – Fallujah.

courtesy of KCET

Fallujah tells the story of Phillip Houston, a marine suffering from PTSD upon his return from Iraq. He is currently at a veteran’s hospital on a 72 hour old after a recent suicide attempt. His mother arrives and is anxious to see her son. Philip does not want to see anyone and instead struggles alone through flashbacks of his time in Fallujah. The tragedies of the war come rushing forward as Philip tries to make it through night.

Courtesy of KCET

The live broadcast of Fallujah was filmed at the Army National Guard in Long Beach. Heading to the performance I assumed it would take place in a theater and was surprised to find myself in a large hall. Folding chairs were set up and a temporary stage ran along one end of the building. Next to the stage was a small space for the orchestra hidden from view behind camouflage. The setting created a realistic space to present the contemporary performance.

Courtesy of KCET

Running 80 minutes in time the opera was presented without intermission. It was brief, all consuming performance with action taking place around the audience as well as on stage. Various multimedia elements brought me directly into the story and it was as if I was right in the room with Philip and his mother. Through Philip’s eyes I saw Iraq and the tragedy of the lives lost on both sides of the battle. It was an intense performance brought to life through the skills of all the performers involved. All had amazing vocal skills and I was particularly struck by the rich baritone of the lead, LaMarcus Miller.

Fallujah was an incredibly moving piece that I was privileged to witness firsthand. Beautifully showcasing the effects of war on our nation’s veteran’s it’s a show that all should witness. We cannot forget the past nor those affected by it. Fallujah has ensured that won’t happen.