Libretto by David Henry Hwang
Music by Huang Ruo
On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Based on his story, and drawing from the ensuing courts-martial of Chen's fellow soldiers, An American Soldier explores what happens when the very people who are supposed to protect you in a combat zone become your enemy.
An American Soldier was commissioned by the Washington National Opera, and premiered as a one hour-long work, performed in English in 2014, directed by David Paul. The full-length version will premiere in 2018 at Opera Theatre of St. Louis, directed by James Robinson.
Behind the scenes feature on the world premiere of "An American Soldier" by Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang, directed by David Paul. Video courtesy and property of Voice of America