Justin Vivian Bond’s new show is a full-blown opera. The cabaret icon, who was once part of the legendary downtown duo Kiki and Herb, presents Complications in Sue — a collaboration between ten composers, with a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael R. Jackson. Based around an idea suggested jokingly by Tilda Swinton, but taken seriously by Bond, the opera charts out the life of the titular Sue across ten tableaus, each scored by a different composer and each encompassing a different period of Sue’s life, from birth to death.

In addition to the incredible team behind the music (heavy hitters like Missy Mazzoli and Nico Muhly are amongst the pool of composers), JW Anderson has created the costumes worn by Bond throughout the production. For many years, Bond has been a muse to Anderson, who has, in turn, featured them in several campaigns and events. Complications in Sue is a first for them both — it’s Bond’s first time leading an opera and Anderson’s first time designing for opera.

Complications in Sue, featuring costumes by JW Anderson, has its premiere run at Opera Philadelphia from Feb 4 – 8th.