Making of The Falling & The Rising

Susan Miller
November 2, 2023

Making of The Falling & The Rising

Susan Miller
November 2, 2023
Making of The Falling & The Rising

Susan Miller

Opera Montana

Nov 2023
Learn More
Learn More

THE MAKING OF THE FALLING AND THE RISING

Synopsis

The Falling and the Rising centers around a strong female hero known only as “Soldier”. After sending a video message home on the eve of her daughter’s thirteenth birthday, the Soldier is severely wounded by a roadside IED. Doctors quickly place her in an induced coma to help minimize the extensive trauma to her brain. The Soldier must now make an arduous journey towards both healing and home. In this quasi-dream state, The Soldier envisions another combat veteran during a brain injury, but in her comatose state she cannot respond. Later, imagining a conversation with an Army Ranger, she is reminded of the strength and resilience inherent in every soldier. She then has a vision of a Colonel mourning the loss of his wife. Soon after, she meets and takes strength from a veteran who demonstrates his own recovery to his family’s congregation. Surrounded by her company near and far, the Soldier finds the strength she needs to go on — to return to her fellow soldiers and to her young daughter.

This Soldier’s odyssey was created in hopes of capturing the indomitable spirit of our U.S. military veterans and to shed light on the inspirational power of their often overlooked stories. The Falling and the Rising is a story of family, service, and sacrifice inside a period of great uncertainty.

Synopsis by: Opera Carolina https://operacarolina.org/opera/the-falling-and-the-rising/

Special Events

Pre-Performance Lecture with Cierra Wallace (International & Intercultural Communication, American University). Begins one hour prior to each performance on NOVEMBER 4, 5, & 6

 Veterans Service Fair showcasing local organizations committed to improving the lives of retired servicemen and women. Located in First-Floor Ballroom in the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture before and after each performance on NOVEMBER 4, 5, & 6

Post-Performance Q & A with the Artists immediately following the NOVEMBER 4 performance ONLY

Post-Performance Cabaret featuring members of the Intermountain Opera Bozeman Military Chorus immediately following the NOVEMBER 5 performance ONLY