The Return of Dead Man Walking

Since its San Francisco Opera debut in 2000, Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally's simmering adaptation of Dead Man Walking has enjoyed over 300 revivals amongst the world's leading orchestras. The 21st-century masterpiece makes its return to the San Francisco Opera in the hands of associate director Katrina Bacchus in her SF Opera debut, alongside conductor Patrick Summers and producer Leonard Foglia.

What Is The Story?

Helen Prajean is a nun of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Medaille order. When she reveals to her colleagues that she has received news from an inmate with whom she has been corresponding, they advise against further communication. The inmate is one Joseph De Rocher, a convicted murderer on death row, who seeks spiritual advice as he lives out his last days. Poignant hymnal music punctuates the pair's rare relationship as they navigate the stormy waters of anger, despair, and redemption.