Madison Opera: Dead Man Walking

Since its premiere in 2000, Dead Man Walking has become a modern classic, one of the most important, powerful operas ever written. Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s book and the movie of the same name, it tells of a nun’s journey as the spiritual advisor of a convicted murderer on Louisiana’s death row. From its shocking beginning to its emotionally searing final scene, this opera changes everyone who encounters it. Its stunning score and intense story combine into a work that “must be reckoned something of a masterpiece – a gripping, enormously skillful marriage of words and music to tell a story of love, suffering and spiritual redemption” (San Francisco Chronicle).

Parental advisory: This opera contains nudity, graphic violence, and explicit language, and is not recommended for anyone under age 18.