Derrick Wang’s FEARLESS: A world premiere

A new opera takes flight this May at The Grand. Fearless is the story of Hazel Ying Lee, trailblazing World War II aviator and member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Performances at The Grand Opera House
May 16 | 7:30 PM
May 18 | 2 PM

OperaDelaware presented Derrick Wang’s poignant and hilarious musical drama Scalia/Ginsburg in the 2019 festival. Delaware audiences are in for a treat as he returns to Wilmington for the world premiere of his newest opera: Fearless.

Fearless was workshopped at the OperaDelaware Studios in the spring of 2023 for a small audience who clamored for more. Don’t miss Fearless this May!

Read more from the Creative Team: Composer/Librettist Derrick Wang, Director Malena Dayen, and Conductor Benjamin Makino

“Hazel Ying Lee broke boundaries and made history as a Chinese American pilot during World War II. As only one of two Chinese American pilots in the Women Airforce Service Pilots, Lee survived long working hours, racial stereotyping, and a fall from an aircraft to follow her dream of flying. She ultimately gave her life to this dream.” - National Museum of the United States Army

An incredible true story takes flight

Hazel Ying Lee is remembered as a trailblazing aviator, but she was so much more. Born in 1912 in Oregon, Hazel “Ah Ying” Lee fell in love with aviation in the 1930s and saved up for flying lessons. She was the first Asian-American woman to earn a pilot’s license and fly for the U.S. military. Friends and colleagues described her as vibrant, funny, athletic, and adventurous.

During World War II, legalized discrimination in the United States made life as an Asian-American challenging and sometimes dangerous. Lee encountered racism and sexism and faced adversity head-on, with a confidence and wit that made her a natural leader. Her talents were often invalidated because of her ethnicity and gender, but she persevered. In 1943, Lee joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots, flying risky missions in service to her country. Her bravery set an example not only for her brother Victor, who served in the U.S. Army in Normandy, but also for the many women pilots who fly today.

Hazel Ying Lee was more than just determined. She was FEARLESS.

Meet the cast

MEet the creative team