This multimedia chamber opera explores controversies over human rights, water wars, and early 20th-century feminist artist communities through the life of Mary Hunter Austin — a writer, feminist, conservationist, and defender of Native American and Spanish American rights. Austin’s quest, trauma, and journey uncover dark mysticism in the American Southwest. Resonating with concerns over marginalization of Indigenous cultures, desecration of women, nature, and escape from conventions through artistic agency, this work reveals ongoing trauma in woman’s quest for autonomy. Two voices — I, Mary (soprano) and Mary by Herself (recorded voice/video/electronics) — share the part of a sole woman protagonist’s transformative journey west to confront and overcome challenges that have plagued her throughout her life. With a Project Award from National Endowment for the Arts, and Opera America Discovery Grant Award this work will be premiered by Brightwork newmusic, featuring soprano Stacey Fraser.