Progressive Voices Still Ring Out at Union Avenue Opera Months After Tornado Tried to Silence Them

by Grayling Holmes / Photos courtesy of Union Avenue Opera

On Friday, May 16, 2025, devastation swept through the City of St. Louis. Alarms were silent, although the deafening sound of the catastrophic tornado roared. The ear-piercing winds shattered lives and buildings. Yet, out of the rubble, voices still ring out. This October, the Union Avenue Opera will “lift every voice and sing” in an alternate part of the church to the acoustically superb sanctuary within the historic Union Avenue Christian Church, where for many years beautiful voices have sung out.

As Dr. King once said in his booming voice, “We will rise!” In joyful chorus, despite the adversity, Union Avenue Opera will also rise. The Festival will be held in a gallery within the organization shares with the congregation at Union Avenue Christian Church.

Extensive repairs on are still underway in the church sanctuary, where the opera normally performs. During the October weekend performances (Friday and Saturday, Oct 10th & 11th at 7:30pm, and Sunday, October 12th at 3pm), the alternate space in the gallery will offer audiences a more intimate and transformative experience that underscores the urgency and humanity of these powerful stories presented in this inaugural artistic journey.

Inaugural One-Act Festival: "Exploring Identity and Injustice Through Opera"

Featuring:  “As One” and “dwb (driving while black)” 

This year’s theme, “Exploring Identity and Injustice Through Opera,” invites audiences into two deeply personal and socially resonant stories told through music. Both works explore the complexities of visibility, vulnerability, and personal transformation in today’s world.

“As One” and “dwb (driving while black)” explore urgent themes of identity, justice, and resilience, brought to life on the UAO stage.

The bold new initiative brings two powerful contemporary operas to the stage. “As One” is by Laura Kaminsky, Mark Campbell, and Kimberly Reed. “dwb (driving while black) is by Susan Kander and Roberta Gumbel.

“As One”

As One, the most produced contemporary opera in the United States, follows the journey of a transgender woman as she discovers and embraces her authentic self.

In the groundbreaking chamber opera, baritone Evan Bravos and mezzo-soprano Emma Dickens share the role of Hannah, portraying a transgender woman’s journey toward self-discovery and acceptance. The production is directed by Joan Lipkin, with music direction by UAO Artistic Director Scott Schoonover.

Joan Lipkin, director of “As One,” shared her excitement about bringing the work to St. Louis:

“I am so excited and honored to be collaborating with UAO on ‘As One.’ It is the real-life depiction of documentary filmmaker Kimberly Reed, a trans woman who is known for her film Prodigal Sons. I had the pleasure of being published in an anthology with Kim and doing a reading with her in New York a number of years ago. Unlike the case of too many stories out of our essential trans community, Kim’s story is ultimately one of resilience and triumph. I applaud UAO and Artistic Director Scott Schoonover for committing to bringing this to the St. Louis Community in this very challenging time. I am sure that anyone who attends will leave feeling uplifted and inspired.”

Lipkin brings an extraordinary background to the production. She recently returned to St. Louis after a summer of travel and international work, including an artistic residency in Corciano, Italy. Next month, her piece One Moment in Belgrade, 2025, based on workshops with communities in Serbia, will be performed at a festival there. Her Plays for the Planet has been staged at the St. Louis Public Radio Theatre Showcase and the Missouri Coalition for the Environment’s Annual Meeting and will be produced in Santa Fe this fall. In April, she was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre, an honor that makes her the only St. Louisan to hold this distinction.

As One. (Hannah older). Emma Dickens

As One. (Hannah younger). Evan Bravos

LauraKaminsky, composer As One.

Kimberly Reed, librettist As One

“dwb (driving while black)”

In dwb (driving while black), soprano Marsha Thompson gives voice to an African American mother’s fear and anxiety as her son approaches driving age in America. Directed by Ivan Griffin, this gripping work brings a contemporary lens to the ongoing realities of systemic injustice.

dwb (director) Ivan Griffin

dwb (Mother). Marsha Thompson

Roberta Gumbel, librettist dwb

“Opera can help us see each other more clearly. These two pieces are urgent, human, and beautifully told,” says Schoonover. “We are honored to bring them to St. Louis in conversation with each other.”

Each performance will be followed by a talk-back session with the artists and special guests, offering audiences an opportunity to reflect on the work and its relevance to contemporary life.

Tickets are on sale now for $25 at unionavenueopera.org.

The One-Act Festival is made possible by generous grants from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing and the Whitaker Foundation. Financial assistance has been provided by the Regional Arts Commission.

About Union Avenue Opera

Union Avenue Christian Church, home of Union Avenue Opera.

Founded in 1994, Union Avenue Opera is a cornerstone of the St. Louis arts community, known for its intimate productions, outstanding musicianship, and commitment to emerging artists. UAO presents opera in its original languages with English supertitles, offering powerful performances that connect across generations and backgrounds.

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