Live in fear, or die in faith

As the French Revolution rages outside, the devout nuns of the Carmelite order are ensconced within their convent, but as the Reign of Terror approaches, their faith in God, themselves, and each other is tested to extremes with every slice of the Guillotine. Based on a true story, Frances Poulenc's haunting adaptation of Georges Bernanos' work offers up a devastating portrait of the era, and the voices of those claimed by history's bloodiest revolution.

Celebrating the company's own 1957 Premiere, this brand new staging from Oliver Py is set to be a profound and compelling chapter in the San Francisco Opera's 2022/23 season. Music director Eun Sun Kim conducts a cast including Heidi Stober, Michelle Bradley, Michaela Schuster, Melody Moore, and Deanna Breiwick.

What is the story?

Daughter of an aristocrat, Blanche de la Force takes refuge in a Carmelite convent, believing it a safe place to hide from the encroaching violence. But her sanctuary is not immune to the wave of change that is sweeping the country and soon there are calls for the sisters to renounce their devotion. With the mob at the door, Blanche and her newfound community are faced with a life of death choice.