The world premiere of the Long Beach Opera's "Fallujah" in a live broadcast from the Army National Guard armory in Long Beach, California. The first opera about the Iraq War experience is inspired by the life and work of U.S. Marine gunner Christian Ellis, who was injured in Iraq and returned to the U.S. to join the 8 million Americans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “Fallujah" follows mothers and sons as they search for hope and healing in the aftermath of a war that changed their relationships forever. The opera provides a glimpse inside real hearts and minds during and after one of the Iraq War’s biggest battles. The result is a mind-opening and moving opera by Canadian composer Tobin Stokes and award-winning Iraqi American playwright Heather Raffo.  Download a PDF of the program book and learn more about “Fallujah” here.

The production is a collaboration between KCETLink Media Group, the Long Beach Opera, and explore.org. The opera was originally commissioned by City Opera Vancouver. 

Watch a behind-the-scenes documentary about the opera here.