A tale of the enduring and transformative power of hope, Second Nature tells the story of two young people, Jake and Lydia, curious about what lies beyond the confines of their artificial habitat. Written by Matthew Aucoin, one of the most lauded composers of his generation, this “dystopian fairy tale…full of whimsical touches” asks: What do you do in a virtual world when you’re longing for a taste of the truly real?

Starring Heather Jones and Brian Skoog, with stage direction by Laura Shatkus, music direction by Brendon Shapiro, and accompanied by members of the Opera Fayetteville Orchestra, featuring Er-Gene Kahng (violin) and Nophachai Cholthitchanta (clarinet).