On January 26, 2018, Teatro Real presented the Spanish premiere of Dead Man Walking, composer Jake Heggie’s first opera based on the nonfiction book of the same name by Sister Helen Prejean. Dead Man Walking, referring to the death row inmate who walks from his cell to the electric chair, is a reflection on the death penalty and a study in the redemptive power of love.
 
At the Teatro Real, mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato brought to life Sister Helen Prejean, the protagonist of the drama, while Mark Wigglesworth conducted the music and Leonardo Foglia directed. Libretto by Terrence MCNally.