Bita says the wrecks could provide evidence of early contact between China and East Africa.

BBC: News - Should shipwrecks be left alone?

Bita Goldman, 28, an attorney in New York, said she carries an extra charger with her for her HTC Evo smartphone, which runs on Sprint's WiMax 4G network.

WSJ: Fast Phones, Dead Batteries

The accomplished cast included the impassioned soprano Christina Boosahda as Bita, the Parvins' daughter, who greets them in Houston (her tahrir-inspired singing was very good), and mezzo Eve Gigliotti, touching as Mrs.

WSJ: The Bricklayer | Houston Grand Opera | A Glimpse Behind the Wall | Opera Review by Heidi Waleson

Grace Muir was Shahrzad, Bita's young daughter.

WSJ: The Bricklayer | Houston Grand Opera | A Glimpse Behind the Wall | Opera Review by Heidi Waleson