The Big Swim

About

The Big Swim, commissioned by Houston Grand Opera in partnership with Asia Society Texas, is a contemporary fable that fuses diverse influences into a single, compelling whole. Composer Meilina Tsui and librettist Melisa Tien have crafted a witty, heartwarming one-act opera that intentionally crosses boundaries between the traditional and modern, Eastern and Western, and classical and non-classical. In a new retelling of the race, the 12 animals learn that fierce competition is not as crucial as caring for and supporting one another, side by side. The world premiere production (HGO’s 76th!) is directed by Mo Zhou, and features set and puppet design by Afsaneh Aayani, costume design by Valérie Thérèse Bart, and lighting design by Michael Clark. The work will be presented at the Asia Society Texas Center as part of its Lunar New Year festivities and will be preceded by a few to-be-announced community activities.