Chamber opera Both Eyes Open recasts the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II to explore the psychic wounds that history can leave on a community. Composed by Max Giteck Duykers, with libretto by playwright Philip Kan Gotanda (Theater, Dance & Performance Studies), the production includes performances by the Eco Ensemble and the University Chorus, directed by David Milnes (Music).

"Both Eyes Open demonstrates the strength of opera as an art form and its contemporary relevance. The audience gets crushed by history throughout Duykers's and Gotanda’s opera. It hurts to think about it, and it is challenging not to feel ashamed. It is unusual to hear nothing at all when a show ends. So it was in the Flea Theater. Until the cast took their bows to resounding applause, it appeared like few in the crowd knew how to react."

-OperaWire

“Powerful yet nuanced, complex and deeply human, Both Eyes Open touches the spirit as it exposes the psychic wounds which history can leave on a community. Duykers's thrilling and wonderfully enjoyable score evokes the past in order to speak to our world today. He and Gotanda have created a stunning new opera which will make audiences think and uplift their hearts.”

-David Henry Hwang, playwright

Saturday, February 15, 2025 | 8pm

Sunday, February 16, 2025 | 2pm

See tickets.berkeley.edu for information on purchasing tickets.

Cosponsored by the Townsend Center