Brave and beautiful

As One is the coming of age story of a transgender heroine that is so real, it has become the most produced modern opera in America.

Written by Mark Campbell and Kimberley Reed, the celebrated director best known for her autobiographical film Prodigal Son, and Dark Money, which premiered last year at the Sundance Film Festival, As One questions what we thought we knew and challenges bias to reconsider with compassion.

Two contrasting voices a mezzo-soprano and a baritone share the role of Hannah, a girl struggling with her sexual identity, and the antagonizing conflict between herself and the world around her. Set to a score written by the incredible Laura Kaminsky, and conducted and directed by Andreas Mitisek, As One forces us to identify with one of the world's most mistreated and misunderstood minorities in a way that we should have done years ago.

Brave, insightful and moving As One premiered in 2014 and has since become the most produced contemporary opera in America. Its three-part narrative comprises 15 songs, conducted and directed with sincere compassion by Andreas Mitisek, who is also making his Portland Opera debut.