Thumbprint
Overview
Thumbprint is inspired by the true story of Mukhtar Mai—a trailblazing Pakistani activist whose fight for justice and safety reminds us that women's rights are human rights. After surviving sexual violence perpetrated by a local tribal council in retribution for her brother's alleged crimes, Mukhtar decides to live—and that decision changes the world. Her hope: open a village school for girls to learn to read and write, so that they may avoid the humiliation of signing their names with only a thumbprint. Heartening, and optimistic for the future, this opera is about restorative justice.
Cast & crew
Maria Badstue
Omer Ben Seadia
Samina Aslam
Indira Mahajan
Alok Kumar
Omar Najmi
Leela Subramaniam
Neil Balfour
Joe Beumer
Subashini Ganesan-Forbes
Kara Harmon
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Sara Beukers
Enhance your experience.
About the Composer & Librettist
The celebrated composer Kamala Sankaram teams up with the award-winning playwright, novelist, and screenwriter Susan Yankowitz.
Learn the Five Reasons Why
Thumbprint is based on a true story: here are five reasons to witness and celebrate this piece.
About Mukhtar Mai
Mukhtar Mai is still striving for change, justice, and safety as an activist and through her work with The Mukhtar Mai Women's Organization.
Production Information
This libretto originates from a series of interviews with Mai, paired with a score that is a dynamic collision of Hindustani and European opera influences. Featuring flute, violin and viola, upright bass, piano and percussion. Commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects and the HERE Arts Center for the Prototype Festival.
You can find additional information about Thumbprint in our latest edition of Toi, Toi Toi Magazine, including articles by the composer and librettist, notes from the conductor and director, and a contextual piece, "Reflections on Thumbprint," by Subashini Ganesan-Forbes. Read these pieces here.
Tickets are available now. In addition to the ticketed performances at the Newmark Theatre digital access will be available for a limited time on Portland Opera Onscreen for $50. Check back soon for more information about our digital programming release date.
Dates, programming, artists, and details are subject to change.
Accessibility
Captions: For patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, each performance (whether virtual or in person) includes live English captions projected above the stage, or streamed virtually on the screen.
Audio Description: For patrons who are blind or have low-vision, the Sunday matinee performance will include a live audio description of the action and dialogue onstage.
Learn more about accessibility at the Newmark Theatre here. If you require wheelchair accessible and/or companion seating, or have any other hearing or vision needs, please call us to purchase tickets so that we can ensure your visit to the theatre is an excellent one.
Community sponsors
Portland Opera appreciates the ongoing support of our generous donors, The Collins Foundation, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Community Foundation, Regional Arts and Culture Council, including support from the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Arts Education & Access Fund, special support from The CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund, and The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program.