Birmingham Speaks
Where Art And Life Intersect
TOUCH is the inspiration to continue this series of community events, highlighting how art and life intersect to open conversations about the healing power of art. These conversation will help spread awareness among our broader community about this powerful opera. TOUCH is a new opera, commissioned by Opera Birmingham, about the life of Helen Keller, celebrated 20th century deaf and blind author and activist, and Anne Sullivan Macy, her confidant and friend. This highly-anticipated opera will have its World Premiere in Birmingham on January 19 & 21, 2024.
A world-renowned humanitarian, Helen Keller fiercely advocated for women’s suffrage, civil rights, and disability rights. TOUCH addresses themes of disability and agency. The opera represents Opera Birmingham’s commitment to telling diverse stories of our community and providing access to a wide range of artists and patrons.
OPERA ILLUMINATED: A COMPOSER SPOTLIGHT FOR TOUCH
OCTOBER 19, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
Clubhouse on Highland (2908 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205)
Tickets are $55 per person. Order by October 13.
Hear insight from Carla Lucero, the composer and co-librettist of TOUCH, when she comes to Birmingham to discuss the creation of her new, highly-anticipated opera about the lives of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Macy. Opera Birmingham General Director Keith A. Wolfe-Hughes leads the discussion. They will be joined by Caleb Clark, who will perform an excerpt of the opera.
A reception will follow the conversation. Refreshments and two drink tickets are included.
Pre-Show Chat
JANUARY 19, 2024 – 6:30 P.M.
JANUARY 21, 2024 – 1:30 P.M.
RMT Arts Campus (1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233)
Included with your ticket purchase for TOUCH
Join us one hour before each performance of TOUCH for a roundtable discussion with composer/librettist Carla Lucero and co-librettist Marianna Mott Newirth, lead by General Director Keith A. Wolfe-Hughes.
Post-Show Talk-Back
JANUARY 19, 2024 – approx 9:00 P.M.
JANUARY 21, 2024 – approx 4:00 P.M.
RMT Arts Campus (1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233)
Included with your ticket purchase for TOUCH
Stay with us following each performance of TOUCH for a panel discussion featuring the opera's creators, cast, guest speakers well-versed in the life and work of Helen Keller, and representatives from organizations committed to serving the low-vision/low-hearing community.
