Democracy: The Making of an American Opera is a rare behind-the-scenes documentary following the Washington National Opera as they set out to create their first commissioned work in over a decade. The documentary explores how Democracy: The Making of an American Opera makes its journey from initial concept to first performance.

Artistic director Placido Domingo commissioned the opera after hearing 25 minutes of it workshopped by composer Scott Wheeler several years ago at New York City Opera. The piece is a light-hearted look at the manipulation of political power in late 19th century Washington DC and the personal struggles of two principled women to reconcile themselves with their love for two powerful men. Set in 1875, the opera is based on the best-selling novels of Henry Adams, which touch on the actual corruption surrounding the presidency of Ulysses S Grant. Despite the setting, the opera is a contemporary look at the age-old dilemma - can love and power co-exist?

Not only do opera novices and connoisseurs gain a rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of an opera but also, using clips of the premiere performance, viewers will have a unique opportunity to see much of the opera which was only performed twice in January 2005.

Cast list:
Artistic Director: Placido Domingo
Director, Set & Costume Design: John Pascoe
Composer: Scott Wheeler
Libretto: Romulus Linney
Conductor: Anne Manson
Lighting Design: Jeff Bruckerhoff
Production Stage Manager: Cristobel Langan
WNO, Director of Center for Education: Michelle Krisel

Esther Dudley: Amanda Squitieri
Madeleine Lee: Keri Alkema
Senator Raitcliffe: Lee Poulis
Reverend Hazard: Matthew Wolff
Baron Jacobi: Robert Baker
Essy Baker: Jessica Swink