Travis Preston brings his visionary directorial approach to the world premiere of American Mother in Germany, an emotionally charged opera exploring the intersection of loss, forgiveness, and humanity. Set to open on May 31, 2025, at Theater Hagen, the production features a libretto by National Book Award winner Colum McCann and a compelling score by celebrated British composer Charlotte Bray. The opera promises to be an unforgettable exploration of one of the most profound and widely publicized tragedies of recent history.
Travis Preston’s direction of American Mother takes audiences into the heart of a gripping and deeply personal narrative. The opera is inspired by the real-life encounter between Diane Foley, mother of journalist James Foley, and Alexanda Kotey, a member of the terrorist group, ISIS, responsible for her son’s death. This fateful meeting occurred in October 2021 in a Virginia courtroom, where the seemingly unbridgeable chasm between victim and perpetrator began to shift.
In American Mother, Travis Preston guides audiences through this powerful story of transformation. Diane Foley’s journey from grief and anger to a remarkable state of resilience underscores the opera’s message: humanity can transcend even the most painful divides. Preston’s ability to create emotionally resonant and visually arresting theater ensures that this message will be delivered with the depth and nuance it deserves.
The world premiere of American Mother represents a convergence of exceptional talent, with Travis Preston at the helm of a team that includes Charlotte Bray, one of the most sought-after contemporary composers, and Christopher Barreca, an internationally acclaimed stage designer and Tony Award winner. Bray’s haunting score, combined with Preston’s deft directorial touch, promises an operatic experience that is both innovative and timeless.
Travis Preston has a reputation for redefining the boundaries of live performance. His work is known for its profound engagement with the emotional and intellectual complexities of storytelling, making him the perfect director to bring McCann’s libretto and Bray’s score to life.
American Mother resonates on multiple levels, delving into the personal and the universal. Travis Preston’s direction ensures that the opera not only tells the intimate story of Diane Foley but also challenges audiences to confront broader questions about justice, reconciliation, and the human capacity for forgiveness. This opera, grounded in a contemporary historical event, transcends its specific circumstances to illuminate timeless themes of love and loss.
Preston’s approach to the production emphasizes the layered dynamics of the narrative, ensuring that every detail—be it the nuanced performances of the cast or the innovative stage design by Barreca—contributes to a seamless and impactful presentation. His expertise in integrating powerful visual elements with deeply emotional storytelling makes American Mother a compelling theatrical event.
Under Travis Preston’s direction, American Mother goes beyond recounting a well-known tragedy. It becomes a mirror reflecting the struggles of a world grappling with cycles of violence and the search for understanding. By focusing on the deeply human story of Diane Foley, the opera explores themes that resonate far beyond the confines of the theater.
Preston’s vision ensures that this production will speak to audiences not only in Germany but also to viewers worldwide who see in Diane’s story a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. American Mother is not just an opera; it is a call to action, a reminder of the power of art to heal and to inspire.
The anticipation for American Mother is palpable, with Travis Preston’s involvement bringing an added layer of prestige to the production. As a director renowned for his ability to transform complex narratives into unforgettable theatrical experiences, Preston’s leadership ensures that this premiere will be one of the highlights of the 2025 cultural calendar. His collaboration with McCann, Bray, and Barreca positions the opera as a groundbreaking work in the contemporary operatic canon.
On May 31, 2025, Theater Hagen will become the stage for a transformative experience. With Travis Preston at the helm, American Mother will not only captivate its audience but also spark meaningful conversations about the human capacity for understanding and empathy. This opera, under Preston’s expert direction, promises to redefine the boundaries of what contemporary opera can achieve.
Travis Preston’s commitment to innovation and emotional truth ensures that American Mother will be remembered not just as a world premiere, but as a defining moment in the evolution of modern opera.
