Composer

A San Diego premier, The Falling and the Rising is a story of family, service, and sacrifice, as it chronicles the imagined journey of a soldier suspended inside a coma. We follow her way through a miraculous dreamscape, punctuated with the lives of other fellow service members. Stage direction by Kym Pappas and music direction by Karen Keltner, with orchestra.

EPSG:4326

The Falling And The Rising

Point Loma Assembly Hall

The Falling and the Rising is a story of family, service, and sacrifice that chronicles the journey of a soldier suspended inside a medically induced coma after she is severely wounded by a roadside IED. We follow as she makes her way through a miraculous dreamscape punctuated by the lives of her fellow service members, each on their own individual journey toward healing and home. Created in hopes of capturing the indomitable spirit of our U.S. military veterans, The Falling and the Rising sheds light on the inspirational power of their often-overlooked stories.

The Falling and The Rising

Camp Dodge

The Falling and the Rising centers around an unnamed female Soldier who is severely wounded by a roadside IED. Placed in an induced coma to help minimize the extensive trauma to her brain, the soldier must now make a journey towards both healing and home. With a libretto taken from dozens of interviews with active-duty soldiers and veterans at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, The Old Guard at Fort Myer, and Fort Meade, Maryland, The Falling and the Rising tells a story of family, service, and sacrifice inside a period of great uncertainty and features active military personnel in lead roles.

Balboa Theatre

A soldier, posted in conflict overseas, is wrestling with the sacrifices she has made, having just missed her daughter’s 13th birthday. In a quasi-dream state, she encounters other soldiers, all working through their own pain, challenges, and triumphs. With each encounter, she is reminded of the strength and resilience inherent in every soldier, the qualities she will need to rise up again and return to her family.

University of Memphis

The Falling and the Rising is an operatic story of service and sacrifice, which traces the inner journey of a soldier who enters a coma after she suffers a roadside attack. As the soldier moves through her unconscious dreamscape, the audience will serve as both companion and witness, sharing powerful encounters with fellow service members along the way.

The Falling and the Rising

Herberger Theater Center

Temple of Music and Art

The Falling and the Rising tells the story of Soldier, an unnamed female service member. After recording a birthday video message for her daughter while deployed, Soldier is severely wounded by a roadside IED (Improvised Explosive Device). She is placed into a medically induced coma because of the brain injury she sustained. While Soldier is in the coma, she experiences a dreamlike series of visions. Soldier encounters other service members, medical staff, and characters representing service, grief, and resilience. Through these encounters, Soldier moves toward clarity, awakening, and the possibility of homecoming.

Composer

Zach Redler

Events

Upcoming events

2 - 4 Feb, 2027

THE FALLINg AND THE RISING · OPERA San Antonio

Past events

10 - 12 May, 2024

The Falling And The Rising · Bodhi Tree Concerts

20 - 22 Jul, 2023

The Falling and The Rising · Des Moines Metro Opera

About

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