Lyric Opera 2019-2020 Issue 4 Dead Man Walking

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 19 PRODUCTION SPONSORS ROBERTA L. AND ROBERT J. WASHLOW INTRODUCTION Time early 1980s | Place Louisiana Joseph De Rocher is on death row at Angola State Penitentiary in Louisiana, awaiting execution for rape and murder. He begins corresponding with Sister Helen Prejean. This central relationship of the opera presents two people from radically different backgrounds and life experiences,who connect with each other through the most horrifying circumstances: a nun devoted to community service and a criminal raised in poverty, living as if in a descending spiral that has led him to catastrophe. Everything about Joseph’s crime horrifies Sister Helen, and yet she’s drawn to the human being writing the letters. A bold, determined woman who never in her life has heeded the warning “Be careful,” she sees in his letters someone truly reaching out in need. When she finally meets him face to face and becomes his spiritual adviser, she discovers a 29-year-old man full of spirit and asserting his innocence, yet at the same time overwhelmed and frightened. Meeting Joseph’s family – especially his simple, loving, uncomprehending mother – draws Sister Helen more deeply into his situation. She advocates for him to be spared, even when confronted by the parents of the dead couple, who castigate her for seemingly ignoring their suffering. As the date for Joseph’s execution draws near, Sister Helen experiences her own desperate crisis of faith as she’s pursued by dreams of Joseph and the couple he killed. She is motivated by a desire to make him understand that he is a child of God and will be forgiven. He remains defiant, even belligerent, and in denial of his crime. As he becomes increasingly terrified by what’s to come, he confronts Sister Helen’s continuing exhortation: “The truth will set you free.” LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO Anthony Freud General Director, President & CEO Sir Andrew Davis Music Director Enrique Mazzola Music Director Designate Renée Fleming Creative Consultant Commissioned by San Francisco Opera. This production was originally created by Opera Pacific, Cincinnati Opera, New York City Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, and Baltimore Opera. By arrangement with Bent Pen Music. Sole Agent: Bill Holab Music. Lyric Opera of Chicago gratefully acknowledges the support of the Robert and Ellen Marks American Opera Endowed Chair. Lyric Opera of Chicago wishes to thank its Official Airline, American Airlines. The projected titles used in this production are owned by Houston Grand Opera: Patrick Summers, Artistic and Music Director; Perryn Leech, Managing Director. APPROXIMATE TIMINGS Act One 1 hour, 20 minutes Intermission 30 minutes Acts Two & Three 1 hour, 5 minutes Total 2 hours, 55 minutes