Union Avenue Opera (UAO) is proud to present its first-ever One-Act Festival, October 10–12, featuring two compelling contemporary operas: As One and dwb (driving while black). Together, these works explore urgent themes of identity, justice, and resilience, brought to life on the UAO stage.
As One, the most produced contemporary opera in the United States, follows the journey of a transgender woman as she discovers and embraces her authentic self. dwb (driving while black) offers a poignant look at a Black mother’s experience teaching her son how to navigate systemic racism in America. Both works invite audiences to reflect on pressing social issues through the power of music and storytelling.
Joan Lipkin, director of As One, shared her excitement about bringing the work to St. Louis:
“I am so excited and honored to be collaborating with UAO on As One, the most produced contemporary opera in the United States. It is the real-life depiction of documentary filmmaker Kimberly Reed, a trans woman who is known for her film Prodigal Sons. I had the pleasure of being published in an anthology with Kim and doing a reading with her in New York a number of years ago. Unlike the case of too many stories out of our essential trans community, Kim’s story is ultimately one of resilience and triumph. I applaud UAO and Artistic Director Scott Schoonover for committing to bringing this to the St. Louis Community in this very challenging time. I am sure that anyone who attends will leave feeling uplifted and inspired.”
Lipkin brings an extraordinary background to the production. She recently returned to St. Louis after a summer of travel and international work, including an artistic residency in Corciano, Italy. Next month, her piece One Moment in Belgrade, 2025, based on workshops with communities in Serbia, will be performed at a festival there. Her Plays for the Planet has been staged at the St. Louis Public Radio Theatre Showcase and the Missouri Coalition for the Environment’s Annual Meeting and will be produced in Santa Fe this fall. In April, she was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre, an honor that makes her the only St. Louisan to hold this distinction.
Performances of the One-Act Festival will take place October 10 and 11 at 7:30 PM and October 12 at 3:00 PM at Union Avenue Opera. Tickets are $25 and are available at unionavenueopera.org. Each performance will conclude with a talk-back featuring artists and directors, offering audiences the chance to engage in meaningful dialogue.
