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Sister Helen Prejean & Public Events for Dead Man Walking

September 3, 2025 - September 20, 2025

Sister Helen Prejean, whose best-selling memoir Dead Man Walking inspired adaptations in film, theater, and opera, and composer Jake Heggie spearhead a series of public events that bring together local and national faith leaders and activists, artists, community members, and the public to explore the work's theme of redemption as well as the use of the death penalty in the United States. In addition to conversations with Prejean and Heggie, free programs will include book groups, community discussions, and workshops, examining intersections of faith, justice and the death penalty, as well as the state of our legal and carceral systems.

San Francisco Opera event partners include Sister Helen's Ministry Against the Death Penalty, the San Francisco Interfaith Council, and Lumahai Productions, with participation from Buddhist Prison Ministry, California Anti-Death Penalty Coalition, Congregation Emanu-El, Habeas Corpus Resource Center, Live Free USA, and Witness to Innocence. 

 

Throughout the run of Dead Man Walking, an art installation featuring the work of incarcerated artists will be on display in the War Memorial Opera House (North Grand Tier level lobby), available to performance ticket holders.

Public Community Gatherings