Dead Man Walking, a contemporary opera by Jake Heggie, begins and ends with a murder.
Based on the nonfiction book of the same title on the recollection of events that happened in 1982 by Sister Helen Prejean, Heggie’s Dead Man Walking is a harrowing yet beautiful tale of forgiveness, regret, and unlikely friendships in the middle of pursuing justice.
Sister Helen Prejean meets her new pen pal, convicted murderer Joseph De Rocher who is sitting on death row for the murder of a young couple. After agreeing to be Joseph’s spiritual adviser, Sister Prejean meets his family along with the victims’ loved ones. Coming from an environment where kindness is taught and nurtured, she starts to question the nature of humans. Joseph faces the inevitable, and his newfound friend Sister Prejean is left to confront the inner workings of America’s justice system.
“Who was I to sit in judgment?” wrote Sister Prejean in her nonfiction book, as she navigates the thorny journey toward the truth. She grapples with waves of grief, doubt, and hope while confronting violence and its bitter aftertaste. Despite initially having second thoughts, Sister Prejean assures that Joseph’s tragedy is seen through the lens of love and forgiveness.
Beyond the confines of the theater, Sister Prejean established Survive, an organization assisting the bereaved families of the criminal justice system’s victims.
Since its world premiere in October 2000, Dead Man Walking has been one of the pioneers of policy debates concerning mass incarceration and racial slavery.
Hailed as the most impactful piece of American music theater since Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story, the opera is decorated with Heggie’s poignant storytelling and the brilliance of Terrence McNally’s libretto. Under the stage direction of Tony award-winner Ivo van Hove, Dead Man Walking exhibits a minimalist but abstract vision, exposing the harsh realities caused by injustice.
Stepping into the shoes of Sister Helen Prejean is the multi-Grammy Award winner Joyce DiDonato, alongside award-winning soprano Latonia Moore as Sister Rose. Versatile bass-baritone Ryan McKinny is the repentant Joseph De Rocher, and Opera’s Sweetheart Susan Graham plays his hopeful mother.
The opera’s nuanced portrayal of the blurry lines between faith, humanity, and hope will surely prompt audiences to recognize themselves in each character’s dilemma.
Closing the curtains of the CCP The Met: LIVE in HD Season 9, Heggie’s Dead Man Walking will grace the Philippine cinema on September 3, at 5:30 p.m., exclusively at Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1.
Students and young professionals may avail of the special discounted price of PHP100 upon presenting a valid ID while regular tickets are priced at PHP350. To buy your tickets, you may visit the venue’s ticket booth or book them online via www.sureseats.com.
Follow the CCP’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For more information about CCP The Met: LIVE in HD, please visit the official Facebook page of the CCP Film, Broadcast and New Media or the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).
