Last October, the Santa Fe Opera presented the world premiere of Sweet Potato Kicks the Sun, a new opera commissioned as part of our Opera for All Voices initiative. This May, the Santa Fe Opera brings back this popular new work in two free public performances for children and families.

Sweet Potato Kicks the Sun, by composer Augusta Read Thomas and librettist Leslie Dunton-Downer, follows the galactic mishaps caused by the title character, Sweet Potato, and a journey to set things back on course. Featuring a cast that includes beatbox artist Nicole Paris, this work explores opera’s ability to intersect with other art forms, while also offering contemporary storytelling for today’s audiences.

CREATIVE TEAM

Composer: Augusta Read Thomas
Librettist: Leslie Dunton-Downer
Music Director: Robert Tweten
Stage Director: John de los Santos
Scenic Design: Liliana Duque Piñeiro
Costume Design: Ashley Soliman
Lighting/Projection Design: Noele Stollmack

CAST

Sweet Potato: Amy Owens
Special Guest Artist: Nicole Paris
89: Dominik Belavy
Grandfather Beekeeper/Grandmother Seed-Keeper: Hannah McDermott
The Actor: Dawn Lura

PERFORMANCES

• SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2020 | 3 PM AT LENSIC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
• FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020 | 6 PM AT AFRICAN AMERICAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER