Touch, by composer/librettist Carla Lucero and co-librettist Marianna Mott Newirth explores the complex relationship between Helen Keller, and her teacher, mentor and companion, Anne Sullivan, as well as her relationship with her young interpreter, Peter Fagan.
Opera, with its powerful voices and soaring melodies, is the perfect medium to bring Helen’s story to life on the stage. Helen was a prolific writer and passionate activist, advocating for the disabled, women’s suffrage and civil rights. She was equally passionate in her relationships with those around her, quick-witted and playful, devoted and fiercely loving. While their celebrity helped change the world, Helen and Anne wanted what we all want – to love and be loved.
Touch represents Opera Birmingham’s commitment to telling diverse stories of our community and providing access to a wide range of artists and patrons. This production is being developed to include low-vision and low-hearing artists in all facets of the opera. We are also working to ensure accessibility for audience members, from ASL interpreters at performances and Braille program notes to assisted listening devices and audio description services.
As part of Opera Birmingham’s Birmingham Speaks series of community conversations inspired by opera, the plans include panel discussions and roundtable conversations around the premiere of Touch, featuring the creators of the opera, guest speakers on the life and work of Helen Keller, and representatives from organizations working in the low-vision/low-hearing community.
Please join us to bring this inspiring story to life!
Sponsors facilitate every aspect of breathing life into a production, including scenery, costumes, props, and all the singers and creative talent needed to put on an opera production. Touch, along with future Opera Birmingham productions, will include additional resources to aid accessibility for audience members, as well as singers. ASL and tactile interpreters, listening and descriptive devices will bring a vital new level of benefit to our community.
Sponsorship Opportunities include:
Orchestra Sponsorship $ 10,000
Stage Director Sponsorship $ 7,500
Musical Conductor Sponsorship $ 7,500
Artists Sponsorships $ 5,000 each (nine available)
Accessibility Advocate: $1,000
Benefits available for each level of sponsorship, and can be tailored to suit your preferences.
Every gift, at any level, is greatly appreciated. Please contact Lynne Hutton for more information. Email lynne@operabirmingham.org or call (205) 322-6737.
Opera Birmingham’s commission of touch was generously supported by UAB Callahan Eye Hospital & Clinic, with additional support from OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Women Composers program supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Fred Elsas, and Martin Jeiven.
For a full list of commissioning and production supporters, please CLICK HERE.