Houston Grand Opera makes history with its world premiere of "Intelligence"

For the first time in Houston Grand Opera history, the opera house opened its new season with a world premiere.

Why it matters: The unprecedented move to start the season with Civil War opera "Intelligence" — HGO's 75th commissioned opera — underscores the opera house's commitment to both new narratives and bold artistic progress in an art form that often is perceived as old and dated.

Driving the opera: Inspired by a true story, "Intelligence" follows two female spies: Mary Jane Bowser, who is born into slavery, and Elizabeth Van Lew, who is from a prominent Confederate family.

The intrigue: Dance, which is not traditionally heavily incorporated into opera, has a significant role in "Intelligence." The opera is directed and choreographed by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, the founder of Urban Bush Women, marking her first venture into a full-scale opera production.

• She tells Axios that the storytelling and the deeper psychological subconscious parts are shown through the dance in this opera. And the dancers play to the drama and make the opera exciting and visually stimulating.

What they're saying: HGO general director and CEO Khori Dastoor tells Axios the physical way the Urban Bush Women tell the story is a new dynamic for opera, and she hopes this is the future.

• "Shouldn't it be Houston that is leading how opera can be reimagined and be a representation of that global world as a global city?" Dastoor says.

Between the lines: "Intelligence" is the number one selling show of the season and has been outselling Puccini's classic "Madame Butterfly," which Dastoor says was a shock but goes to show that the audience is excited by new works.

Yes, but: The opera — delving into themes of abolition while defying the conventional white savior narrative — has faced some criticism. But Dastoor emphasizes the overwhelming support it has garnered and emphasizes that opera's purpose is to ignite conversations and debates, and she believes that artists should continue crafting challenging and provocative stories.

Shafaq's thought bubble: It was an absolutely beautiful opera. The set design was clever and dynamic and enhanced by projections. The collaboration dynamic between the music and the singing and dancing was exciting and a feast for your eyes and ears.

• But more importantly, I loved how the story unfolded. It was the first time I saw a Western opera that truly centered Black voices and wasn't just vaguely inclusive.

If you go: The opera runs through Nov. 3. Tickets range from $25-$210.

The bottom line: This remarkable opera stands as a masterpiece in both its craft and its storytelling. Go see it while you have the chance.