Theater and Music at REDCAT
June 15, 2017, 8 pm
June 16, 2017, 8 pm
June 17, 2017, 8 pm
June 18, 2017, 2 pm
“Sankaram’s tuneful score and standout performance are well worth a listen.” —New York Post
Presented with LA Opera
An astonishing true story of courage and triumph, Thumbprint explores the deep family ties and tribal traditions that empowered Mukhtar Mai to become the first female victim of gang rape in Pakistan to bring her attackers to justice. In lieu of a financial settlement, she requested that a school be constructed to educate girls. She hoped to educate the young, to help prevent the humiliation of signing their names with only a thumbprint. The story is told through a dynamic score by Kamala Sankaram, filled with influences from Hindustani and European opera, and a libretto by Susan Yankowitz, originating from a series of interviews with Mai.