David Lang

In June 2019 the New York Philharmonic presented the world première of David Lang’s opera prisoner of the state (conductor Jaap van Zweden). prisoner of the state is a semi-staged opera for concert halls telling the story of a woman who disguises herself as a prison guard to rescue her husband from unjust political imprisonment. With a libretto by the composer referring self-consciously to Fidelio, Beethoven’s only opera, prisoner of the state features four principal roles: The Assistant, The Leader, The Prisoner, and The Jailor. The work gives striking prominence to a large male prisoner’s chorus in another reference to Beethoven’s opera.

Directed by Elkhanah Pulitzer; projections by Adam Larsen, lighting design Thom Weaver, costumes Malina Casta, and set by Matt Saunders.