"Dark Fall" is an opera about love and longing in old age. At the heart of the story is Ellen, a married woman who shows the first signs of Alzheimer's. Despite these symptoms—or perhaps because of them—she falls in love with Owen, an old friend who visits Ellen and her husband.

"Dark Fall" raises questions that scrutinize traditional views on love and partnership in old age: When are we too sick or too old to be allowed to fall in love again? To start a new life with a new partner and be allowed to leave someone else? When are we so limited in our autonomy that we can no longer make free decisions about our own lives?

"Dark Fall" is conceived as the second part of a theatrical "Diptych of Desire" together with the opera "Dark Spring" (jpc 10696459). The composer is German-American professor of composition at the University of Chicago Hans Thomalla. His works have been performed at international festivals such as the Donaueschinger Musiktage. In addition to operas, he has also composed chamber music, solo works, and ensemble and orchestral music.