Sally Ride
A new opera based on the first American woman and first LGBTQ+ person to go to space
Alejandra Martinez as Sally Ride. Costume Design by Lena Sands and photography by Argel Rojo.
Sally Ride, a new opera by composer Dana Kaufman and librettist Aiden Feltkamp, follows the real-life story of the first American woman and the first LGBTQ+ person to go to space. Narrated by her life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, the opera illuminates Ride’s intense drive to succeed and her innate need for privacy, two elements that constantly clash as she rises through the ranks of NASA. We watch as Ride is accepted into NASA, travels into space, stands up against the misogynistic press, chooses to start a life with O’Shaughnessy, and eventually leaves NASA to pursue the life she truly wants as a physics professor and champion of science education for girls. Again and again, Ride must decide either to follow the path society expects for her or to create her own way. Sally Ride explores the thrills, disappointments, humor, and secrets of Ride’s life, taking the audience on a journey of personal exploration and triumph.
The opera received a November 2023 workshop by Synchromy at 2220 Arts+Archives in Los Angeles. The development of Sally Ride has received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts; OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants program, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation; a City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs grant; the Hellman Fellowship from University of California, Riverside; and an Etta Creative Infusion. O’Shaughnessy, who co-founded (with Ride) the San Diego-based organization Sally Ride Science (SRS), is a consultant on the opera. SRS is dedicated to helping young people–and particularly girls and youth from underrepresented backgrounds–pursue STEM fields. In addition to O’Shaughnessy, SRS and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) are partners for the opera. SRS and NASM have offered support for educational initiatives, marketing, and collaborations to further the opera’s success as a community-centered work.
Libretto by: Aiden Feltkamp
Music by: Dana Kaufman
Instrumentation:
-1 Bb Clarinet dbl. Bb Bass Clarinet
-1 C Trumpet
-1 Violin
-1 Cello
Performing Forces:
-Dr. Sally Ride (soprano)
-Dr. Tam O’Shaughnessy (mezzo-soprano)
-NASA Mission Control/Male Astronaut (bass-baritone)
-SATB chorus of at least four voices, one per part, also performing the roles of multiple minor characters
Language: English
Duration: ca. 90’
Production and Development Partners
Dr. Tam O'Shaughnessy, Consultant
Sally Ride Science
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
Awarded grants
Grant for Arts Projects from the National Endowment for the Arts
OPERA America Discovery Grant for Women Composers (supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation)
Hellman Fellowship from University of California, Riverside
City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Grant
Etta Creative Infusion
