The Falling and the Rising

Homeland Magazine had a chance to speak with Army Staff Sergeant Ben Hilgert, who was inspired to honor our soldiers and veterans and tell the Army story through the creation of an opera, The Falling and the Rising. Based on true stories of active duty soldiers, Arizona Opera will open its 2022/23 Season with The Falling and the Rising this October in Phoenix (Oct. 14-16) and Tucson (Oct. 22-23).

Homeland: What is The Falling and the Rising?

Hilgert: The Falling and the Rising is an operatic story of service and sacrifice, which traces the inner journey of a soldier who enters a coma after she suffers a roadside attack. As the soldier moves through her unconscious dreamscape, the audience will serve as both companion and witness, sharing powerful encounters with fellow service members along the way.

The opera centers around a strong female hero known only as “Soldier.” After sending a video message home on the eve of her daughter’s thirteenth birthday, Soldier is severely wounded by a roadside bomb. As she experiences a medicallyinduced coma, she sees visions of other soldiers’ stories, each on their journey toward healing and home.

Homeland: How did you come up with the idea to create an opera?

Hilgert: Before I enlisted in the Army, I toured the world as a freelance opera singer, and in high school, I was involved with musical theater. So I come from a musical background and I love all the elements of opera- from the storytelling and visual art to the powerful human voice- the art form truly speaks to my soul.

After I enlisted in 2010, I joined the Army Field Band’s Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus as a tenor, and started thinking about this idea of creating an “Army opera.” In 2015, I shared my idea with Army Field Band’s Commander Colonel Jim Keene, who saw the potential and invited me to submit a proposal. From there, I found myself in the offices of Opera America alongside Col. Keene, discussing how to turn that inspiration into reality. When the project was approved, I began searching for collaborators who would help bring my idea to life.

Homeland: What was the process like of bringing a concept to stage?

Hilgert: I spent months researching composers, librettists, source material, and the history of military operas and was grateful to find librettist Jerre Dye and composer Zach Redler. Jerre’s work stood above the rest in its ability to transport the audience, to make the theater vanish as the story drew you in.

And Jerre’s enthusiasm for the project was overwhelming. He had recently worked on a theater project based on a theater project based on interviews with women veterans and had developed a sense of devotion to veterans’ issues. It was a perfect fit.

Homeland: Why is The Falling and the Rising unique?

Hilgert: The Falling and the Rising is based on real-life interviews with more than 30 wounded soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, this soldier’s odyssey was created to honor the indomitable spirit of our U.S. Military veterans. This particular opera is unique due to its attempt to connect civilians and military through untold soldiers’ stories; to raise awareness of emotional trauma experienced by those who dedicate their lives to serving in the military, and to understand the healing process that is needed for veterans and activeduty military by sharing the stories they are often unable to share.

Homeland: Why do you feel The Falling and the Rising is an important production?

Hilgert: By shedding light on the inspirational power of untold soldiers’ stories, The Falling and the Rising aims to knit the civilian and veteran and military populations together through a story of family, service, sacrifice, hope, and resilience. Not only does the opera raise awareness of the sacrifices that modern service members make, but also the emotional trauma experienced by those who dedicate their lives to serving in the military. Importantly, this opera is also meant to display the professionalism of the American soldier. Music, especially opera, has the power to move us, transform us, and heal us. I hope that the audience leaves with a better understanding of the healing process that is needed for veterans and active-duty military by sharing the stories they are often unable to share.

Homeland: How can we learn more about The Falling and the Rising and where do we purchase tickets?

Hilgert: You can learn more about Arizona Opera’s production of The Falling and the Rising and purchase tickets by visiting www.azopera.org.

Tickets start at $25.

• Student tickets are available for $5. • Military discounts are available.

“Music, especially opera, has the power to move us, transform us, and heal us.”