Juneau to host world premiere of first Tlingit opera

Season subscriptions that include what Sealaska Heritage Institute and Perseverance Theatre describe as the first Tlingit opera in recorded history are on sale now, with single tickets going on sale July 11. The world premiere is set for Sept. 11, 2026, at the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Auditorium in Juneau.

The Opera and Its Story

The opera, Ḵutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles, focuses on stories from the Tlingit-Russian War in Alaska from 1802 to 1804. The Tlingit and Haida united and were victorious in 1802, but were forced to retreat from Sitka in 1804. The production is performed entirely in the Tlingit language, with a score grounded in Tlingit musical traditions, including forms once performed in natural mountain-valley amphitheaters.

"Though operas are foreign to Tlingit culture, the genre is a natural fit," SHI President Rosita Worl said. "Our people are known for their oratory, singing and storytelling skills. What better way to familiarize people with Tlingit culture and language than to tell a part of our history through opera?"

Creative Team and Funding

SHI initiated the project and co-produces it with Perseverance Theatre. The creative team includes librettist Vera Starbard, composer Edward Littlefield, translator and language consultant X'unei Lance Twitchell, and orchestrator Rory Stitt. The production is based on historical facts and oral traditions told from the Tlingit perspective, with a score the producers describe as grounded in Tlingit musical and performing arts traditions. Funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the First Peoples Fund, the National New Play Network, and the Mellon Foundation.

Tickets and Schedule

Performances run Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons from Sept. 11 through Sept. 20. Season subscriptions that include the opera are available now through Perseverance Theatre at ptalaska.org. Single tickets go on sale July 11. More information about the opera is available at sealaskaheritage.org.