Fellow Travelers at Seattle Opera

Fellow Travelers is a poignant opera that encapsulates a gay love story set against the backdrop of the Lavender Scare during the McCarthy era. It follows Timothy Laughlin, played by Colin Aikins and Andres Acosta on alternating nights, whose romantic connection with State Department official Hawkins Fuller, portrayed by Jarrett Ott and Joseph Lattanzi, is tested by the societal pressures of the time. Based on Thomas Mallon’s novel and featuring music by Gregory Spears, this performance, directed by Kevin Newbury, explores the complexities of love amidst fear and repression. The production also highlights the historical significance of LGBTQ+ experiences in a time when public expressions of love could jeopardize careers and lives.