SAN FRANCISCO— Immerse yourself in the world of Sister Helen Prejean as she revisits her groundbreaking 1993 memoir, Dead Man Walking, and reflects on its adaptations into film and opera. San Francisco Public Library (SFPL), in collaboration with San Francisco Opera and Lumahai Productions, hosts a free public event, featuring Sister Helen Prejean and opera composer Jake Heggie, leading up to San Francisco Opera’s 25th-anniversary presentation of Dead Man Walking. 

The event begins with a film screening of the 1995 Academy Award-winning film Dead Man Walking. After the screening, Sister Helen Prejean and Heggie will discuss the evolution of Dead Man Walking from memoir to film and opera. San Francisco Opera’s Ryan Marchand will moderate the discussion, including an audience Q&A and a preview of the forthcoming graphic novel adaptation, set for release by Random House on Oct. 28, 2025. A reception and book signing will follow.

“One reason San Francisco Opera enjoys working with SFPL is because we both believe that storytelling has the power to transform people’s lives,” said Ryan Marchand, Director of SF Opera’s Department of Engagement & Connectivity. “When we had an opportunity to present Sister Helen Prejean in conversation, in commemoration with the Company's 25th-anniversary production of Dead Man Walking, we knew SFPL would be the perfect partner. Sister Helen’s memoir Dead Man Walking is an incredible testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to bring people together across differences in transformational ways; as seen by its adaptation into film, opera, and now a graphic edition. We are so proud to be presenting this afternoon of dialogue, art, and community, with a rare opportunity to meet Sister Helen and opera composer Jake Heggie, in partnership with SFPL.”

"We are absolutely thrilled to host Sister Helen Prejean and Jake Heggie at the Main Library to mark SF Opera’s anniversary performance,” said Lori Talarico, Adult Community Engagement Coordinator at SFPL and organizer of the event. “This is a premier example of free, exciting programs that we can bring to the public because of the vibrant partnerships in San Francisco’s arts community.”

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the San Francisco Opera world premiere, Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally’s Dead Man Walking returns to the stage where it all began. Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir of the same name, the opera is a searing portrayal of grief, anger, and compassion, hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as “a masterpiece” in 2000. Since that auspicious premiere, Dead Man Walking has become the most widely performed new opera of the 21st century.

Sister Helen Prejean, a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph, is renowned for her advocacy against the death penalty. Her 1993 memoir, Dead Man Walking, recounts her experiences as a spiritual advisor to death row inmates and has been adapted into a film, a play and an opera. The upcoming graphic novel adaptation aims to engage a new generation with the complex issues surrounding capital punishment.

Jake Heggie, an American composer, is best known for his opera Dead Man Walking, which premiered in 2000 and has become one of the most performed new operas of the 21st century. His works, including Moby-Dick and It's a Wonderful Life, have been performed worldwide. Heggie's collaboration with Sister Helen Prejean has brought the story of Dead Man Walking to diverse audiences through the medium of opera.

This event is part of a series of community programs leading up to San Francisco Opera's anniversary presentation of Dead Man Walking, opening on Sept. 14, 2025. The opera's return to the stage where it premiered underscores its enduring relevance and impact.

An Afternoon with Sister Helen Prejean and Dead Man Walking — Sept. 12, 2–6 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium

2 p.m. — Film: Dead Man Walking — R, 122 mins., 1995. CC in English

4 p.m. — Discussion with author Sister Helen Prejean & composer Jake Heggie

5:30 p.m. — Reception and Book Signing