Tlingit Language Opera Debuted in Alaska
The new production portrays 19th-century conflicts between Tlingit tribes and Russian settlers.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Opera
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A new opera titled Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles recently premiered. The performance is notable for being produced entirely in the Tlingit language.
Why it matters
The production highlights regional history through an Indigenous lens. It provides a cultural platform for sharing local narratives regarding 19th-century tribal and colonial interactions.
The production represents a unique addition to the regional performing arts calendar. Its staging is the result of a collaboration between writers and composers focused on Tlingit history.
The players
Vera Starbird
She is the writer who collaborated with Edward Littlefield to create the opera.
Edward Littlefield
He is the composer who partnered with Vera Starbird to develop the opera.
Madeline Soboloff Levy
She is a principal performer featured in this new operatic production.
The details
Vera Starbird and Edward Littlefield collaborated to write the opera, which depicts historic battles that occurred in southeastern Alaska. Principal performer Madeline Soboloff Levy takes a lead role in bringing this cultural narrative to the stage.
Timeline
19th century: Battles between Tlingit tribes and Russians occurred.
Industry Dynamics
This production fits into a growing trend of using operatic forms to reclaim and amplify Indigenous histories. It marks a departure from traditional European-centric canon by centering on local 19th-century geopolitical conflicts.
Local audiences in Alaska can experience this performance as a unique medium for historical education. The language used in the opera serves as a vital component for those interested in the preservation of Tlingit culture.
The takeaway
The production demonstrates how contemporary art can bridge the gap between historical fact and modern cultural expression. It encourages audiences to engage with Tlingit language and heritage through a sophisticated musical framework.
Further reading
For more on the local arts scene, visit the Alaska Opera section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBUR 90.9 mHz.
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