The New York Premiere of a soaring new opera based on a powerful true story.

On October 3, 2011, Chinese-American Army Pvt. Danny Chen was found dead in a guard tower at his base in Afghanistan. Based on his story and the ensuing courts-martial of Chen’s fellow soldiers, this New York City premiere opera tells the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him.

Told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo (M. Butterfly, Book of Mountains and Seas) with libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Soft Power), and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band, Sweatshop Overlord), An American Soldier is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Co-Produced by PAC NYC, Boston Lyric Opera, and American Composers Orchestra.

The 2024 version was co-commissioned by PAC NYC and Boston Lyric Opera.

James will sing the roles of Sgt. Lucas Brown, Pvt. Roman Parker, Sgt. Jackson Blakemore, and Pvt. Bryan Johnston.