Long Beach Opera to Present THE BORDER OF HOPE AND DESPAIR Multimedia Program, 3/9

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On Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), Rubén Ortiz Torres, librettist and video-designer of Long Beach Opera's (LBO) U.S. Premiere production of Camelia la Tejana - Only the Truth, and Gregorio Luke, noted Mexican and Latin American art expert, will take audience members south to the border between Mexico and the United States, scene of bloody drug wars, immigration controversy, and the continuous clash between rich and poor, in a multimedia program titled "The Border of Hope and Despair." Exploring the opera's themes, this special event will examine the dynamic history of the tragic and explosive world along the border and its influence on contemporary culture and music. A sneak peek into the opera with LBO cast members will be one of the highlights of the afternoon. For more about the program, visit www.longbeachopera.org/events/coincidences.

THE BORDER OF HOPE AND DESPAIR will be presented on Saturday, March 9, 2013, 2PM to 4PM, 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, Calif. Tickets: $35 General Admission ($50 VIP tickets include premier seating and a wine reception with the artists.) Call 562-432-5934 or purchase online at www.longbeachopera.org/tickets.

Camelia la Tejana - Only the Truth (Unicamente la Verdad) is a modern opera as current as today's headlines and the first based on a Mexican folk figure. LBO will stage the U.S. Premiere of this important work on Sunday, March 24 and Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, CA. With a score by Mexico's foremost female composer, Gabriela Ortiz, and a libretto by Rubén Ortiz Torrez, established artist, photographer and film producer, this multimedia production illuminates the struggle along the border between Mexico and the United States and the truths and myths arising from the controversial dividing line. Based on the famous corrido (ballad), Contrabando y Traición (Smuggling and Betrayal), the opera follows drug smugglers, Camelia la Tejana and her lover, on their journey from Mexico to Los Angeles, where betrayal by one leads to a deadly showdown. The opera's colorful score with its unique blend of classical modernism, Mexican ballads, and popular norteño music creates the perfect background to this timely story.

For additional information on the opera, go to www.longbeachopera.org/2013-season/unicamente-la-verdad.