Washington National Opera

Soaring in Service

Military Women's Memorial (External Event)

Explore the themes of WNO’s Grounded through a special FREE performance and panel discussion at the Military Women’s Memorial.

Military Women’s Memorial is located on the corner of Memorial Ave, and Schley Dr, Arlington, VA 22202 in the Arlington National Cemetery.

Advance reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations do not guarantee a seat. Parking is free. Refreshments provided.

Genre

Opera
Runtime

90 minutes
Price

Free
Presenting Sponsor
A NOTE TO OUR AUDIENCES

The WNO and the Kennedy Center are deeply grateful for the support of all of our sponsors. Our programmatic choices have always been rooted in artistic independence, which our corporate and individual donors respect and value. For the sake of clarity, no sponsor or supporter of WNO had any involvement in the creation of Grounded or in the contents of its libretto.

Program

Dive into WNO’s world premiere of Grounded with a special performance and panel discussion at the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, VA. Light refreshments will be provided.

The evening opens up with a performance by WNO Cafritz Young Artist alumna Hannah Shea, who will perform selections from the opera and other favorites.

Then, hear an engaging panel exploring the themes of Grounded, including Tammy Barlette, Lt. Col (Ret.); Scott Swanson, Major (Ret.); Dr. Elspeth Cameron “Cam” Ritchie, MD, MPH, Col. (Ret.); and George Brant, award-winning playwright and librettist of Grounded. The panel will be moderated by Francesca Zambello, artistic director of the Washington National Opera, who played a key role in bringing this opera to the stage.

Learn More About Grounded

Washington National Opera (WNO) opens its 2023–2024 season with the world premiere of Grounded, October 28–November 13. Composed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jeanine Tesori with a libretto adapted by George Brant from his one-woman play of the same name, and directed by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer, Grounded is commissioned by and co-produced with the Metropolitan Opera.

Grounded tells the story of Jess, an accomplished F-16 fighter pilot who is “grounded” from flying because of an unexpected pregnancy. When returning to duty, she is reassigned to combat by operating lethal drones from a trailer in Las Vegas, thousands of miles away from the battlefield. The juxtaposition of using her elite training to protect and serve America by day while returning to her family at night creates a moral and psychological tension that plays out onstage.

Grounded tackles subjects rarely seen in opera: drone warfare and its impact on service members and their caregivers. With this “Let’s Go There” performance and panel discussion, the Kennedy Center engages military and mental health experts to share real-world insight into some of the opera’s complex themes. The discussion appropriately takes place at the Military Women’s Memorial—which serves as a one-of-a-kind tribute to America’s servicewomen.

Meet the Panelists

The conversation will feature:

Lt. Col. (ret.)

Tammy Barlette

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Major (ret.)

Scott Swanson

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Col. (ret.)

Dr. Elspeth Cameron “Cam” Ritchie, MD, MPH

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Playwright

George Brant

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Moderator, artistic director of the WNO

Francesca Zambello

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About Let’s Go There Series

“Let’s go there”—to the topics that challenge us or demand wrestling with. This series invites figures from arts, culture, academia, politics, and more to use opera as a prism to examine and candidly discuss modern day issues. By creating worlds of possibility through music, imagery, and storytelling, WNO is committed to developing meaningful conversations that build greater civic understanding.

Season Sponsors

Official Airline of the WNO Season

Jacqueline B. Mars

Mrs. Eugene B. Casey

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Help build a rich legacy on the values of artistic excellence, engagement with a broad community, and a thriving future for the art form of opera and its audiences.

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!

Washington National Opera

Soaring in Service