5 Questions to Composer Caroline Louise Miller

June 5, 2026 | Portland, OR: The visionary behind Deep Water is composer & librettist Caroline Louise Miller (they/them). Caroline has created a colorful and magical musical world in Deep Water, one infused with curiosity, grief, play, and compassion. We caught them between rehearsals for a chat about how Deep Water came to be. 

What was the first spark of inspiration that led you to create Deep Water?

I was first inspired by the atmosphere and themes of Tamsyn Muir’s sapphic short story Deepwater Bride, in which a teenage seer must document an American town’s apocalypse by sea monsters. Though Deep Water’s story digresses quite a bit in thematic material from this first inspiration, it continues to resonate with it atmospherically: somewhat mystical/mythical characters in an apocalyptic scenario. The deep sea shark set piece was directly inspired by the sea creatures in Muir’s story, but also functions to viscerally confront climate change. 

Why choose opera as the medium to tell this story?

Opera literally amplifies voices, and in telling a story centering queer characters, that can be a powerful thing. I also think that opera, as a theatrical medium, can have a certain playfulness about it, in characterization and movement, that makes this medium perfect for telling a story in which play is a primary theme. 

How does this opera speak to the world we're living in today?

One of the primary themes of Deep Water is about how we persist, find ways to play and experience joy in little ways, even when things seem hopeless. Given the state of the world with climate change, fascism, etc., things can feel so devastating, even paralyzing, right now. Play, silliness, connection: these are things that can help us get through it, heal, and take action. 

Can you share a moment in the rehearsal process when the performers brought something unexpected to your music? 

There is a moment when the beachcombers (Gina and Allison) find an old license plate inside of a beached shark. The score at the time gave minimal directions for singing the letters/numbers of the plate, and it was suggested by the performers that the vibe should be like a silly made-up language or an inside joke. This was surprising and delightful, and Gina and Allison’s interpretation brings a light and mischievous dimension to this moment! 

What do you want audiences to know about Deep Water?

Deep Water has been such a meaningful collaboration, and every single person involved in this project has brought so much energy and joy to this project. Every rehearsal there is laughter, and everyone is always sharing amazing ideas for staging, characterization, movement, musical interpretation, etc. I am so excited to share Deep Water with everyone! 

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