The world premiere of a controversial Israeli opera is the backdrop for this riveting behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Commissioned by the Israeli Opera for its 25th anniversary season, The Child Dreams is abstractly inspired by the plight of Jewish refugees and based on the work of Hanoch Levin, widely regarded as Israel’s greatest playwright. The bold costume and set design for this startling new production falls to Austrian artist Gottfried Helnwein, known for provocative portraits of wounded children. Translating Helnwien’s graphic images and acrobatic choreography for stage proves artistically and technically challenging, and conflict erupts between Helnwein and the opera company over a crucial casting decision. Gottfried Helnwein and the Dreaming Child is both a visual feast and landmark union of artistic titans Levin and Helnwein, both concerned with the theme of childhood innocence betrayed.