Based on a short story by renowned Iranian-American author Farnoosh Moshiri (The Bathhouse, Against Gravity), The Bricklayer tells the real-life story of a family torn apart by the Iranian revolution. The score is composed by Gregory Spears.

The opera is set in Houston and begins at Bush Intercontinental Airport, where Bita and her daughter Shahrzad are awaiting the arrival of her parents. Coming to Houston from Tehran, they tell of their torturous experiences: The execution of their son. Leaving behind their old life, they begin to heal and find hope with their daughter in Houston.

Before the opera, Fared Shafinury, celebrated Persian-American setarist, will talk about the elements of Persian classical music and instrumentation in The Bricklayer.