Houston Grand Opera presents

DEADMAN

WALKINGAn Opera in Two ActsMusic by Jake HeggieLibretto by Terrence McNallyBased on the novelby Sister Helen Prejean, CSJJoyce DiDonatoPhilip CutlipFrederica von StadeMeasha BrueggergosmanHouston Grand OperaOrchestra and ChorusPatrick Summers

2Houston Grand Opera presents

An Opera in Two ActsMusic by Jake HeggieLibretto by Terrence McNallyBased on the novel by Sister Helen Prejean, CSJThis opera was commissionedby the San Francisco Opera

Orchestra and Chorus ofHouston Grand OperaPatrick Summers conductorMargaret Alkek Williams Chair

Director: Leonard FogliaSet designer: Michael McGartySound effects designer: Roger GansChorus master: Richard BadoAssistant chorus master: Craig KierMr and Mrs James A. Elkins, Jr. Endowed ChairChildren’s chorus director: Karen ReevesMusic preparation: Bethany Self

Live recording from Houston Grand Opera,24 January, 2 & 6 February 2011

DEAD MAN WALKING

3Sister Helen Prejean Joyce DiDonatoa young nun from LouisianaJoseph De Rocher Philip Cutlipa death row inmate at Angola State PenitentiaryMrs Patrick De Rocher Frederica von StadeJoseph’s motherSister Rose Measha Brueggergosmanco-worker and close friend to Sister HelenGeorge Benton Hector Vásquezprison wardenFather Grenville Beau Gibsonprison chaplainKitty Hart Cheryl Parrishmother of the murdered girlOwen Hart John Packardfather of the murdered girlJade Boucher Susanne Mentzermother of the murdered boyHoward Boucher Jon Kolbetfather of the murdered boy Motorcycle Cop Michael Sumuel

Sister Catherine Kiri DeonarineSister Lillianne Brittany WheelerFirst prison guard Michael SumuelSecond prison guard Boris DyakovOlder brother Austin Deanhalf-brother to JosephYounger brother Cullen Kinghalf-brother to JosephA mother Kathleen ManleyMrs Charlton Laurelle GowingInmates Carey M. O’Rarden, Bradley Blunt, Wesley Landry, James R. Jennings, G. Leslie Biffle, Rahki DeShon Marcelous

Girl Heather SandersBoy Matt HuneAnthony De Rocher Brian P. HamlinJoseph’s brotherParalegal Nancy HallJimmy Charlton Zander Shepeard

1 Prelude Page 6

2 Prologue 6

Watching You... A Kiss in the Dark

ACT ONE

Scene 1: Hope House3 “He will gather us around” 7

4 Heavens! Look at the time 8

Scene 2: The drive to Angola State Prison5 “Be careful,” people have always told me 9

6 This journey 12

Scene 3: Outside of Angola State Penitentiary7 Sister Helen? I’ve been waiting for you 12

Scene 4: Father Grenville’s office8 Some of them didn’t look so bad 12

9 I don’t like that man 13

Scene 5: The walk through Death Row10 Woman on the tier! 14

Scene 6: The Death Row visiting room11 Thank you 16

12 Are you frightened? 18

13 You ever been with a man? 18

14 Five more minutes, De Rocher 18

Scene 7: The Pardon Board hearing15 The defendant’s mother,

Mrs Patrick De Rocher 19

16 Joe, my Joe, is not a bad boy 20

17 What you all say my Joe did is so terrible 20

Scene 8: The parking lotoutside the courthouse

18 It’s a good sign when they take so longto decide 22

19 You don’t know what it’s like 23

20 I’m sorry. So sorry 24

Scene 9: The Death Row visiting room21 Guess your nun ain’t comin’ back,

De Rocher 26

22 I believe in the here and now 26

23 The Bible says “the truth will set you free.”Scene 10: The waiting roomExcuse me. Do you have any change? 27

24 “He will gather us around” 29

25 What happened? 30

4CD 1

ACT TWO

1 Prelude Page 33

Scene 1: Joseph’s cell2 31 ... 32 ... 33 ... 33

3 Everybody hear that? 33

4 The girl. I remember the girl 34

Scene 2: Sister Helen’s bedroom5 Oh! ...

Now and at the hour of our death. Amen 34

6 God’s love and forgiveness 36

Scene 3: Joseph’s cell.August 4 in the eveningWell? Well?

7 What time is it? 38

8 Joseph! – I’m scared, OK? 39

Scene 4: The visiting room9 The new Ford Mustangs are so cool 40

10 All those people out there 41

11 Don’t say a word 43

12 Who will walk with me? 45

Scene 5: Outside of the Death House13 Good evening 45

14 I’ve said some harsh things 46

Scene 6: Joseph’s holding cell15 You’re a regular illustrated man,

De Rocher 47

Scene 7: The Confession16 How much longer? How much more time? 47

17 We’d been drinkin’ and smokin’ weedat the road house 48

18 I killed her 48

Scene 8: The Execution19 Dead Man Walking! – Our Father 50

20 “He will gather us around, all around” 53

5CD 2

6

DEAD MAN WALKING

Place: LouisianaTime: the early 1980s

1 Prelude

PrologueNight. A clearing in the woods by a lake. There is nomoon. The heat is palpable. Spanish moss curtainseverything. Crickets, cicadas, bullfrogs, mosquitoes.Danger, menace – but much beauty, too.

2 A raucous music (sung) is coming from the radio of a convertible with its top down that has been leftwith its lights on.

Song on radio“Watching you, every day.Waiting for you to maybe pass my way.Seeing you my skin starts aching;You with him, my body’s breaking in two.Baby, I just lose it over you.

In the nightI can feel youHold you tightThink I’m near to you.

I just burn to be with you.You just turn and lead me on this way.All alone, watching you and waiting,Feel so sure my number’s coming up soon.Baby, I just lose it over you.

Baby, baby why do you tease?Make me crazy.Baby, baby, I’m begging you please,Please don’t make me do somethingI don’t want to do.Baby, I could lose it over you.”

Someone within the gauzy masking of the Spanishmoss lights a cigarette. Or is it a firefly?

Above the car radio music we hear youthful, giddylaughter and yelps of happiness as a young coupleappears in the convertible’s headlights. They are in their late teens. They have been skinny dipping in the lake. The boy takes a blanket and towels out ofthe convertible trunk as the girl shivers happily in theglow of the headlights. They are unafraid and very at ease with each other. They towel each other offand the boy kisses the girl. She responds, then takesthe blanket from him and makes a place for them onthe ground by the car as he turns off the headlightsand changes the music on the radio. As he changesthe stations, we hear a blast of a commercial, a rushof news, a bit of weather. And then soft, rolling,romantic music establishes itself. The boyapproaches the girl who lies waiting for him on theblanket. They begin to make love.

Two figures appear out of the Spanish moss. Perhapsthey have been standing there all along. They areJoseph De Rocher and his brother, Anthony. Josephis in his early 20s, Anthony a little older. They arepoorly dressed. What happens next happens quicklyand deliberately – almost as if it had been rehearsed.They act as a team. They know what they want anddo it. The boy and the girl do not notice them.

CD 1

7

We watch as Joseph and Anthony step forward andwatch them. They duck behind the car and switchthe radio off. Silence.

The boy and the girl sit up quickly to see what hashappened. Joseph and Anthony jump on them.Joseph grabs the girl and Anthony quickly cuffs theboy’s hands behind him. The girl is too terrified toscream. Joseph pushes the boy face down on theground and holds a gun to his head while Anthonydrops his trousers and rapes the girl. Anthony standsup, pulls up his trousers and motions for Joseph totake his place with the girl. Joseph hesitates, thendoes it. As Joseph rapes the girl, the boy’s strugglesincrease until Anthony fires a single shot to the baseof his skull, execution-style. This time the girl pullsfree from Joseph’s hand over her mouth andscreams: a horrible, unforgettable, unbearable soundwhich is only ended when Joseph reaches into hisback pocket for a knife and plunges it into her throat.

And at once we see the face of a young woman in hermid-30s in a tight pin spot. Her name is Sister Helenand she is singing a hymn.

ACT ONE

Scene 1: Hope House

Sister Helen3 “He will gather us around, all around.

He will gather us around.By and by.You and I.All around Him, gather us around.”

We hear the sound of clapping and at once Sister Helen is surrounded by a group of laughing, happyyoung children trying to learn the hymn and execute the complicated (for them) clapping rhythms of thepiece at hand. Sister Rose, a cheerful co-worker with Sister Helen, is at the piano.

Sister HelenThat’s right, children. Keep it going like that. Where’s my note, Sister Rose?

Rose plays a note that is a half-step lower than Helenexpected.

La. You’re sure?“Oh, He will gather us around, all around.He will gather us around.By and by.You and I.All around Him, gather us around.”

(aside to Rose) Up a half-step please.

“Don’t be afraid, I have called and you are mine.He will gather us around.I will be with youAll around...”

Helen has skipped a verse, leaving the childrenwondering what’s going on. Sister Rose shakes herhead and pounds the keyboard in exasperation.

Sister RoseNo, no, no. That’s not how it goes, Sister Helen.

Sister HelenI’m sorry, it was my fault. I wasn’t focusing.

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Sister RoseLet’s show them again. Two, three, four.

They begin again, now singing together.

Sister Helen, Sister Rose and children“He will gather us around, all around.He will gather us around.I will be with you.I will be with you.All around Him gather us around.

Our sisters and our brothers,Our fathers and our mothers,All around.

He will gather us around, all around.He will gather us around.By and by.You and I.All around Him gather us around.

All our sisters and our brothers,All our fathers and our mothers,All around Him gather us around.”

During the song, two other sisters, Lillianne andCatherine, have entered with some of the mothers of the children. From their dress and demeanor, we cansee that these are poor, working mothers and that thesisters offer day care for their children. They join inthe final chorus of the hymn, which ends rousinglyand with laughter as a loud school bell rings.

The banter between the sisters and mothers is light,intimate, revealing mutual affection and respect.

Sister Rose4 Heavens! Look at the time. Time to go.

First motherThey laid off another four of us at the mill. There but for His grace go I.

Sister LillianneThere but for His grace go all of us.

Sister CatherineJimmy! Show your mother what you made for her.

JimmyNo!

Jimmy runs off with some of his friends.

Sister CatherineA pot holder, Mrs Charlton.

Mrs CharltonI can’t tell you how I’ve prayed for one, SisterCatherine.

The other children and sisters have all moved off-stage as Sister Rose approaches Sister Helen,who has moved apart from the others. She appearsto be reading a road map.

Sister RoseHelen? Earth to Sister Helen. Helen of the Sisters of St Joseph of Medaille. Come in please, Sister Helen.

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Sister HelenHe wants to meet me. In person. Face to face.

Sister RoseYour convict?

Sister HelenI said yes. It’s a three-hour drive. I had no idea.

Sister RoseIt’s not the three-hour drive you should be worriedabout. It’s him. He’s a cold-blooded murderer, Helen.Aren’t your letters enough? Two innocent children are dead. Two of God’s children.

Sister HelenBut we’re all of us God’s children, Rose. All of us.Even him.

Sister RoseA convicted murderer? What are you getting into,Helen?

Sister HelenI don’t know, but I have to go. He needs me, Rose.

Sister RoseWe need you. We need you here.

Sister HelenCar keys, please.

Sister RoseYour work is here.

Sister HelenThe keys, Sister.

Sister Rose reluctantly hands her the keys to thesisters’ car.

Sister RoseBe careful, Helen. Be careful.

The scene changes. Sister Helen sits and begins the drive to Angola State Prison.

Scene 2: The drive to Angola State Prison

Sister Helen5 “Be careful,” people have always told me. When

have I ever been careful? The most reckless thing I’ve ever done was also the most wonderful. A brideof Christ. “You’ll never know the joys of marriage,”my mother warned me. “Or the agonies,” said myaunt. But I will be married, I told them. I will be thebride of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The best man whoever lived. He was a hothead and so am I. A perfectmatch.

A hitchhiker comes into view holding a sign thatreads “ANGOLA.” She passes him by.

Angola. Sorry, brother. We’re going to the same place.But we both know the rules: can’t stop for strangers.Can’t stop for anyone. Wise Christians travel on!

Joseph De Rocher, 29. Prisoner number 95281.Caucasian male. Convicted murderer. “But you cancall me Joe,” he writes and sends me his picture.“And you can call me Helen,” I write and I send mine.

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And abracadabra, we’re pen pals, friends, just likethat!

Pictures and letters don’t tell you how a man can doa thing like that. Murder two young people just out ofhigh school, their whole lives ahead of them. Whatkind of man? You know what kind, Helen. You know. I work in the projects; but those are children. This is a man. But one of God’s children, too. That’s why I have to go.

She sees a sign that reads “Don’t despair, you’realmost there: Angola State Penitentiary.” Throughoutthis section, she begins to speed and the musicaccelerates.

“Don’t despair, you’re almost there: Angola StatePenitentiary.” A hundred and forty-one miles. I’m not despairing, I’m perspiring. In fact, I’m melting.“Don’t despair, you’re almost there.” Almost there?Who are they kidding? Maybe I’m kidding myself. I’ll tell you one thing. I’m never making this driveagain.

We hear the wail of a siren. A motor cop pulls herover. He wears dark glasses and looks veryformidable in his cap and high leather boots.

Only 95 miles to go. In this heat. Maybe he’ll arrestme and throw me in a nice cool cell.

Sister Helen hands him her license.

How fast was I going, officer?

Motor CopWay, way over, lady. You were smoking. I was taking a nap. You woke me up.

Sister HelenI’m sorry. I’m in a hurry to get to Angola.

Motor CopLady, nobody’s in a hurry to get to Angola. As the sign says: “Don’t despair, you’re almost there.”(looking at her license) Hey, you a nun?

Sister HelenYes.

Motor CopI never gave a nun no ticket before. Gave a ticket to an IRS agent one time. Got audited that year. Tell you what. I’ll let it pass this time. My mama’s sick.Cancer. Say a prayer for her.

Sister HelenI will.

Motor CopAnd I’ll say one for you.

She drives off. The figure of the motor cop recedes.

Sister HelenSay a prayer for his mama. Better write that down.

She jots it down on a notepad and reads an exit sign.

Exit 75. Beaujours. Home. I could stop off and sayhello, just like old times. I was happy there, but Iwanted more. I wanted this.

11

Joyce DiDonato Sister HelenMichael Sumuel Motor Cop

12

6 This journey. This journey to Christ. This journey to my God. This journey to myself. To my Jesus. To thisman. This journey to the truth. “I’m going to die,” hewrites me. “I haven’t a chance.” Does he want me to help him to die? Is he afraid of death? What am I afraid of? Death, maybe. And what else? I want toknow. This journey. This journey to Jesus. To myChrist. Joseph De Rocher. 95281. Death. His death.My own.

Sister Helen stops the car and gathers herself.

Help me, dearest Jesus. Make me strong. Make mewise. Make me human. Amen.

Scene 3: Outside of Angola State PenitentiaryShe gets out of her car as the prison chaplain, Father Grenville, approaches.

Father Grenville7 Sister Helen? I’ve been waiting for you. Father

Grenville, Prison Chaplain. How was the drive?

Sister HelenHot. Where is it written that persons of holy ordersmay only drive black cars? My tiny Datsun was hot,hot, hot. Hot, hot, hot. Did I mention it was hot?

Father GrenvilleNo air conditioning? Don’t know how our ancestorsbore it. Christian martyrs. That’s what they were. I put life into three eras: B.C., A.D., and before A.C.That was a joke, Sister.

Sister HelenI got it, Father. It’s too hot to laugh.

Father GrenvilleI like a dry sense of humor sometimes. But I guess I know better than to ask you about this year’s MardiGras.

They begin to walk across part of the prison com -pound on their way to the father’s office and theinterior of the penitentiary. Right now, a group ofinmates playing a rough game of basketball comesinto view. They play to win and their tempers andlanguage are rough.

Sister Helen stops to look at them until the fatherpulls her along. Once they are inside the quiet darkof his office, his mood changes sharply as SisterHelen tries to assess her situation.

Scene 4: Father Grenville’s office

Sister Helen8 Some of them didn’t look so bad. I’ve worked with...

Father GrenvilleSister, Joseph De Rocher is beyond anyone’s help. I have tried to reach him and failed. And I have a degree in psychology. He still insists that he’sinnocent. A man like that will never see the face of our Lord. He will lie to you. Insult you. Call youdreadful names. Everything but admit his guilt. Do yourself a favor. Go home now.

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Sister HelenJoseph asked me to come.

Father Grenville“Joseph,” is it? You’re way over your head, Sister.

Sister HelenPoverty, ignorance and violent crime are notstrangers to the projects where we sisters work. We call our place Hope House. Not Bleak House.

Father GrenvilleThis is Death Row, Sister! Why are you smiling?

Sister HelenI’m sorry. That sounded like a line from an old movie.Especially the “Sister” part. “This is Death Row,Sister.” That was a joke, Father.

Father GrenvilleArrogance posing as mere good nature. An interest -ing choice, Sister Helen. It may work with your littleblack children in the projects. But these are grownmen and they want something more than a hug anda lollipop.

Sister HelenEven my smallest ones couldn’t subsist on only hugsand lollipops. I’m late. Mr De Rocher is waiting.

The Warden is approaching them. He isaccompanied by two uniformed guards.

Father GrenvilleI did my best, Warden. She’s all yours.

God be with you, Sister.

Sister HelenLikewise I’m sure, Father.

She watches Father Grenville go off. Then, to Warden,

9 I don’t like that man.

Warden (laughing)I thought you religious folk all stuck together.

Sister HelenI shouldn’t have said that. Wish I didn’t feel it either.

WardenThat’s all right. I don’t like him either. George Benton,Warden, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola.

Sister HelenSister Helen Prejean, of the Sisters of St Joseph ofMedaille.

WardenWell. That’s out of the way. Hey there.

Sister HelenHey there.

WardenHow can I be helpful?

Sister HelenBy telling me the truth. Why?

14

WardenWhy?

Sister HelenWhy does he want to see me?

WardenYou write a good letter.

Sister HelenSo does he.

WardenSister, this man is a...

Sister HelenI know what he did. I did my homework. I wasphysically ill. But that doesn’t mean he’s not ahuman being who needs someone.

WardenInnocent children, Sister.

Sister HelenWe’re all born innocent children, Warden.

WardenI think he’s going to ask you to be his spiritualadvisor.

Sister HelenWhat would that mean for me?

WardenIt means you’ll be giving spiritual counsel to a man

who won’t admit his guilt, which is unquestionable. It means you’re going to sit there and listen to hislies, that you’re strong enough to stay with him rightto the finish. Sister, it means you’ll be there when westrap him down for lethal injection. Will you be there,Sister? Will you be there?

Sister HelenI don’t know. But I think you should know I don’tbelieve in capital punishment.

WardenNobody gives a good goddamn what you believe or don’t in. Pardon my language but this is a house ofjustice. Let’s go.

Scene 5: The walk through Death Row10 They begin to walk down Death Row. There is much

opening and closing (and loud banging) of metalgates. This is a terrifying and brutal place. Many ofthe gates open and close by remote electroniccontrol, which will only emphasize Sister Helen’sfrightening situation. As they proceed, we will see theinmates on different levels. They are wildly differentand should be treated as such. This is not a homo -genous ensemble of condemned men. We also hearradios and television sets blaring.

First guardWoman on the tier!

Second guardWoman on the tier!

15

Joyce DiDonato Sister HelenHector Vásquez Warden

16

InmatesWoman on the tier! Woman on the tier! Woman on the tier!

First inmateHey, pretty lady, got a kiss for me?

First guardShow some respect. She’s a fucking nun.

Second inmateSay a prayer for me, Sister.

Another inmate shouts: Me, too, Sister! Pray for me, too!

Third inmateHey, bitch! You got a smoke? Look at me, I’m talkingto you, bitch!

WardenDon’t stop. Keep walking.

Sister HelenWhat a terrible place.

WardenDon’t stop. Just look straight ahead.

Sister HelenThere’s such anger and hate in those voices.

WardenIt’s fear.

Sister HelenFear?

WardenYes. That’s all there is on Death Row.

Sister HelenWhat a terrible place.

WardenFear. Theirs. Yours. And mine.

Sister HelenYou, too?

WardenTwo hundred men. They’re all gonna die. Every lastone of them. I’ll never get used to it.

Scene 6: The Death Row visiting roomThey have arrived at a room reserved for visits. Thereis a chair for a visitor and a chair for the inmate,nothing else. The Warden brings Sister Helen to thevisitor’s side.

Sister Helen11 Thank you.

WardenFor what? We’re all just doing our jobs.

He goes. Sister Helen waits nervously. An inmate can be heard singing offstage. We hear the drone of an electric fan. Helen sings to herself.

17

Sister Helen“He will gather us around.By and...”

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.She quickly loses her concentration.Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with...The same thing happens again.Our Father. Our Father who art in Heaven...

And suddenly Joseph De Rocher is in front of her.His hands are manacled in front of him. He wearsprison-issue fatigues. The two guards whoaccompany him remain shadowy figures at theperimeter of the scene.

JosephHello, Sister Helen. It was good of you to come. It’s a long hot drive.

Sister HelenI wanted to meet you, Joseph. I liked the man who wrote the letters. I wanted to see his face.

JosephDo I look like the monster they all say I am?

Sister HelenYou look like someone I’d pass on the street.

JosephTell that to the Pardon Board. I got one more chancewith them before they strap me down and inject mewith their lethal dose of rat poison.

As he speaks he has been struggling to light

a cigarette. Sister Helen watches helplessly from her side of the heavy-mesh partition.

Sister HelenI wish that I could help you.

JosephTell them I’m innocent. My brother killed those two kids.

Sister HelenI meant with the cigarette.

JosephHe had a better lawyer. Got a life sentence. I got abum lawyer, Death Row and a nun. And you don’tbelieve me either.

Sister HelenIt’s not my position.

JosephWhat is your position, Sister Helen?

Sister HelenI want to help you.

JosephHelp me?

Sister HelenHelp you face your own responsibility for this terriblecrime. I want to help you. Help you face yourexecution if the Pardon Board and governor don’t... I want to help you.

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JosephYou’re not a nun. You’re the angel of death.

He takes a deep drag on the cigarette.

Sister Helen12 Are you frightened?

JosephFrightened of you? Hell no, why should I be? I’m frightened of what they’re gonna do to me.Frightened my legs won’t hold me up and they’ll have to drag me through the cell-block like a piece of meat. I’m frightened the “humaneness” of lethalinjection is going to hurt like fucking hell. I’mfrightened of what this is doing to my mama. Andthat no one’s going to be there for me at the end. I’m frightened of a lot of things, but I sure ain’tfrightened of you.

Sister HelenWe’re off to a bad start.

JosephI never talked to no nun before.

Sister HelenThen we’re even. I never talked to no...I never talked to a convict on Death Row.

JosephAre you frightened?

Sister HelenLess than I thought.

Joseph13 You ever been with a man?

Sister HelenIf you mean physically intimate, no.

JosephYou don’t know what you’re missing. You’re blushing.I love the ladies. I miss ’em, I do. That’s the worstpart about this place. You’re all alone that way, too.

A warm night. A cold bottle of beer down by the riverwith your woman. A little zydeco drifting down fromthe road house. You lay your head on her breasts andshe tells you everything is gonna be all right. And fora little while you believe her – and it is. Sister, nightslike that’s what makes the rest of this ugly old planettolerable.

A guard steps forward.

First guard14 Five more minutes, De Rocher.

He withdraws.

JosephGuess you ain’t coming back.

Sister HelenWould you like me to?

JosephYou’re all I’ve got.

19

Sister HelenThen why have you spent these precious fewmoments trying to push me away?

JosephHow do I know that I can trust you?

Sister HelenWe have to trust each other.

JosephHow do I know that you’ll be there?

Sister HelenWe have to be there for each other, Joseph.

JosephWill you be there? Will you be my spiritual advisor?

Sister Helen and JosephI can’t do it alone.

JosephWill you go to the Pardon Commission meeting? My mama will be so frightened.

Sister HelenShe’ll know what to say. Mothers do when theirchildren are in danger.

JosephI’m in danger, Sister Helen. Three weeks, four days,eight hours, sixteen minutes from now. And the deathmachine begins. And Joseph De Rocher, 95281, is history.

The guards are pulling him away now.

I don’t want to die.

Sister HelenI’ll be there.

JosephI’m frightened, Sister Helen. Help me.

Joseph and the guards are gone.

Scene 7: The Pardon Board HearingThe scene is changing. An enormous table with asimple, wooden chair behind is center-stage. SisterHelen is to one side. A paralegal appears and callsout to the members of the Pardon Committee.

Paralegal15 The defendant’s mother, Mrs Patrick De Rocher.

Joseph’s mother appears, supported by her twoyounger boys. One is 19, the other 14. They are each dressed in their Sunday best, which is modestby all standards. Pain and poverty are seared intotheir features. Joseph’s mother is close to breaking;the two boys are ill at ease.

Older brotherYou all right, Mama?

Joseph’s mother nods. The older boy takes theyounger by the hand and leads him off to where the other spectators are. Mrs De Rocher sits at thetable. There is a microphone there.

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Joseph’s motherIs this what I talk into? I feel like I’m on TV or some -thing. Do you all ask me questions or do I just talk?

The lack of response to her plaintive questions is chill -ing. She is a little woman in the face of huge hostility.

Sister Helen helped me write something. I don’t readso good. My eyes. I’m sorry.

She fumbles in her purse for a pair of glasses and a piece of paper.

I am a mother who is asking you to spare her son’slife. Nothing more, nothing less. My son Joseph’s life hasn’t been an easy one. His father left us when he was two. He didn’t get along with his stepfather. We were poor. Always poor. Joe was a poor student. I can’t pronounce this word: Die-le-leck-seeya. He left school in the ninth grade. Went with a bad crowd.There was drugs and some crime involved. I believethere was a woman and a child. None of this excusesthe terrible thing my Joe has been convicted of. I’m not saying that. I’m saying:

16 Joe, my Joe, is not a bad boy. Not my Joe. There isgood there, too, in my Joe. See this pretty comb?Genuine tortoise-shell made in Japan. A Mother’s Daygift from my Joe. A boy who is all bad does not give his mother something like this. He does not teach his younger half-brothers to hunt and fish and playand run and drive.

There is a sudden and violent disturbance. One of the victims’ parents, Owen Hart, has endured all that he can take. He manages to get quite a bit of rage and hate out before deputies pull him away and silence him.

Owen HartShe’s talking about the man who stabbed mydaughter. She was just 17. He stabbed her over andover. He stabbed her 37 times in the throat. That wasafter he raped her. They couldn’t find her senior pin.It was buried so deep in the cuts.

Sister Helen comes forward and stands with herhand on Joseph’s mother’s shoulder. Now Mrs De Rocher speaks directly to the committee, ignoring the written statement.

Joseph’s mother17 What you all say my Joe did is so terrible. I can’t think

of it without dying some myself. If I was that girl’sfather, I’d hate my boy, too. But I ask you to hate the crime and not the criminal. We have all sufferedenough. Haven’t we all suffered enough? This morn -ing there was a dead cat left on our porch. My boysare tormented at school. Strangers curse me at themarket. Only yesterday, a woman...

She can’t continue.

I’m sorry. I didn’t think that I could cry any more. I just don’t know what good my Joe’s being dead will do. Will it satisfy you? Will it bring that young girl and boy back? I would gladly give my own life toundo what has happened. But please, don’t kill myJoe. Not my Joe. Because nothing can undo what’shappened. Nothing. Haven’t we all suffered enough?

She stands up from the table as the scene changesto the parking lot outside of the courthouse.

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Frederica von Stade Joseph’s motherJohn Packard Owen Hart

22

Scene 8: The parking lot outside the courthouseSounds of car doors slamming and cars driving offpunctuate the following. Joseph’s family is beingcomforted by Sister Helen, Sister Rose, SisterCatherine, and Sister Lillianne. They are especiallyaffectionate with the two boys, who squirm under the attention and kindness. We are aware of theparents of the victims, standing apart. They are Owen and Kitty Hart, and Howard and Jade Boucher.Their looks and demeanor are openly hostile.

Sister Rose18 It’s a good sign when they take so long to decide.

Sister Lillianne (to the boys)You like baseball? Basketball? Football? Volleyball?

Joseph’s motherAnswer the sister. Go on.

Sister CatherineWe’re used to teenagers at Hope House.

Sister HelenExcuse me.

She crosses over to the four parents. The other nuns and Joseph’s brothers drift just out of sight.Only Joseph’s mother remains.

I’m Sister Helen Prejean of the Sisters of St Joseph of Medaille.

Owen HartWe know who you are, Sister.

Your efforts to save Mr De Rocher have made youa familiar face on the evening news.

Sister HelenOnly human compassion can save Joe. I’m there to comfort him.

Jade BoucherJoe, she calls him.

OwenComfort him? How come you never sought to comfort us?

Sister HelenI’m sorry.

Kitty HartWe’re all good Catholics. We take the sacraments.Not a crumb from you, not a crumb.

Howard BoucherYou were too busy with that monster who killed my boy.

JadeWhere is my comfort?

OwenWhere is my comfort now?

Sister HelenI’m sorry. So sorry.

23

Jade19 You don’t know what it’s like to bear a child.

Raise him, tend to his ills. Nurse his colds, kiss hiscuts and bruises, and pray to God he turns out right.You don’t know.

KittyYou don’t know what it’s like to see your baby growup into a beautiful young woman.

JadeA beautiful young man.

KittyAnd then one night you see her go out the door on a date and the last words you’ll ever say to her are“Fix your blouse.” And she’s gone.

JadeAnd then one night you see him walk out the door on a date and the last words you’ll ever say to him are “Comb your hair.” “Shut the door.” He’s gone.

Sister HelenI’m sorry. So sorry.

HowardYou don’t know what it’s like to bury your child andtry to find comfort anywhere.

OwenYou don’t know what it’s like to bury your child andtry to find comfort. An empty chair at the table.

HowardHis jacket on a hook.

JadeYour last words,

Kitty“Fix your blouse.”

Jade“Comb your hair.”

Howard“Do your homework.”

Owen“Clean your room.”

Kitty and Jade“Shut the door.”

Howard and Owen“Take your key.”

Sister HelenYou’re right. I don’t know. How could I? How couldanyone know?

Joseph’s motherYou don’t know what it’s like to fail your child. Watchhim slip from your hands and think he’ll never knowhow much I love him.

24

Kitty“There they go.”

Jade“It’s so sad.”

Howard“Those poor people.”

Owen“Such a loss.”

Joseph’s motherMy Joseph. I failed you.

Sister HelenI’m sorry. So sorry.

(Then simultaneously)

How could I know? How could anyone know? I’m sorry. So sorry.

Joseph’s motherYou don’t know what it’s like to fail your child. I can’tforgive myself. You don’t know how I love my boy.

KittyYou don’t know what it’s like to bear a child. Raise her and tend to her ills. Wipe her tears, kissher bruises, and pray to God. You don’t know.

JadeYou don’t know what it’s like to bear a child. Raise him, tend to his ills. Nurse his colds, kiss his cuts and bruises. You don’t know.

HowardYou don’t know what it’s like to bury your child andtry to find comfort anywhere. His jacket on a hook.You don’t know.

OwenYou don’t know what it’s like to bury your child andtry to find comfort. An empty chair at the table. You don’t know.

Jade“Comb your hair.”

Kitty“Fix your blouse.”

Howard“Do your homework.”

Owen“Clean your room.”

Jade“Shut the door.”

Sister Helen20 I’m sorry. So sorry.

OwenYou say that a lot, Sister. Maybe it comes from beingway out of line.

Sister HelenCould we pray together?

25

JadeWhat would be the point?

She runs off.

HowardI don’t think we want the same thing, Sister. You’ve upset my wife.

He runs after her.

OwenYou don’t think that Joseph De Rocher should die for the murder of our children?

Sister HelenI abhor what Joe did. But do we deserve to kill him?

OwenAnswer my question.

KittyOwen!

Sister HelenChrist said...

OwenDon’t give me Christ.

KittyOwen! Owen, please!

OwenGive me Helen Prejean. Do you honestly feel that this monster deserves to live?

Sister HelenI believe that is what my Lord and Savior wants me to believe. I’m trying to get there, Mr Hart.

OwenMay that same Lord and Savior have pity on yourmisguided soul. We have nothing to talk about, Sister.

The paralegal reads the Pardon Board decision.

ParalegalIt is the decision of this Pardon Board that the appealof Joseph De Rocher be denied and execution becarried out.

As soon as the announcement is made, Sister Rosecrosses over to Helen hurriedly.

Sister RoseHelen, it’s over. Let’s go home.

Sister HelenWhere is Mrs De Rocher?

Sister RoseHer sons took her home. We’ve got to get back to Hope House. Our children need us, Helen. Our children.

Sister HelenOur children.

26

Scene 9: The Death Row visiting room

First guard21 Guess your nun ain’t comin’ back, De Rocher.

The governor’s your only hope.

Sister Helen enters hurriedly.

Sister HelenSorry I’m late.

JosephI figured you were giving up on me. Everyone elsehas.

Sister HelenI gave you my word, Joe. You’re stuck with me.

JosephSeventeen minutes. That’s how long it took ’em.Seventeen goddamn minutes. That’s how long it takes to decide if a man should live or die.

Sister HelenWe’re appealing to the governor.

JosephDream on, Sister, dream on.

Sister HelenI don’t dream, Joe. I pray and I work. And sometimesI fail. Sometimes I don’t. But I pray and I work.

JosephBut you believe in something.

Sister HelenDon’t you?

JosephNot like you.

22 I believe in the here and now. I believe in what’s real.I believe that they’re going to kill me unless a miraclehappens. I believe that people like you haven’t got aclue where people like me are coming from.

Sister HelenI think I do, Joe. I do.

JosephI believe that I’m bad. Way bad. I believe you nevermet anyone as bad as me.

Sister HelenI believe that people can do terrible things. I believethat you’ve done a terrible thing, Joe. But I don’tbelieve that people are bad. I don’t believe that you’rebad, Joe.

JosephI am, Sister.

Sister HelenI believe that people can acknowledge their wrongsand be forgiven.

JosephI’m sorry, but I don’t see any forgiveness in a lethalinjection. I don’t see it.

27

Sister HelenForgiveness is in our hearts and souls, Joe. Our hearts and souls. Look at me!

JosephI hate it when you sound like a nun.

Sister HelenForget that I’m a nun! Two young people are deadbecause of you. Their parents will never see themagain. I believe you should admit your guilt and say you’re sorry to the parents of those children.

JosephWhat? Right. Sure. And give the state the right to killme. You may be a good nun. You’d make a lousylawyer, Sister. We both know I’m on a railroad track to hell. We both know that no one’s gonna forgive me.

Sister HelenForgiveness begins with honesty. Forgiveness beginswith the truth.

23 The Bible says, “the truth will set you free.”

Joseph“The truth will set you free”? The Bible says that? I like that.

Sister HelenI do, too, Joe.

Joseph“The truth will set you free.”

Sister HelenSay it again, Joe: “The truth will set you free.”

JosephNot me, Sister. No hope for me.

Sister HelenYes, Joe. Look in your heart.

The first guard and Warden step into the scene.

WardenPlease step out of the room, Sister.

Sister HelenMr De Rocher and I are just...

WardenPlease. Step out of the room.

Sister HelenJoseph, I’ll be right...

WardenNow, Sister!

Sister Helen leaves the visiting area. She steps out -side of the cell block to a hot, stifling waiting room.

28

Michael Sumuel First guardPhilip Cutlip JosephBoris Dyakov Second guardJoyce DiDonato Sister Helen

29

Scene 10: The waiting roomAn electric fan drones listlessly. There is a red Cokemachine. Sister Helen fishes for change in her purse.A guard passes.

Sister HelenExcuse me. Do you have any change? I need some -thing. I forgot to eat.

First guardSorry, Sister.

He goes as quickly as he came.

Sister Helen sits on a bench. She fans herself. Shefeels dizzy. She leans forward, her head in her hands.

The various forces that are pulling on Sister Helenbegin to surround her in the void around the woodenbench and the bright red Coke machine. Suddenly,she hears the voices of the children at Hope Houseand her friends Sister Rose, Sister Catherine, SisterLillianne. They have their hands full without herthere.

Children24 “He will gather us around, all around.

He will gather us around.By and by. You and I.Oh, gather us around.”

Sister RoseNo. No. That’s not how it goes, children. Children!Helen. Our children.

Children and other sisters“He will gather us around.All around Him gather us around.All around Him gather us around.Amen! Amen! Amen!”

The voices of the inmates and of Joseph join in as the sisters and children continue their song.

InmatesWoman on the tier! Woman on the tier!

HelenThe truth will set you free. The truth, Joe.

JosephHelp me. They’re trying to kill me, Sister. I’m frightened.

The Motor Cop is heard.

Motor CopSay a prayer for her, Sister. Say a prayer.

The voice of Joseph’s mother is heard.

Joseph’s motherDon’t kill my Joe. Please, don’t kill my boy. Haven’t we all suffered enough?

The parents of the murdered children are heard. The murdered children themselves appear in silent witness.

30

Kitty and JadeYou don’t know what it’s like when I imagine theterror and the fear. My poor baby all alone. You don’t know what it’s like to bear a child. Raise him.Tend to his ills. You don’t know!

Howard and OwenYou don’t know. Who was there for my baby? Allalone in the dark in the night. You don’t know!

Father Grenville joins the ensemble.

Father GrenvilleYou’re way over your head, Sister. Way over. Go home now.

Sister HelenYou don’t understand. I’m just trying to...

AllNo!

Sister HelenBut Christ said...

AllNo!

Sister HelenDear Lord, don’t let me fail this man.

AllNo!

A tremendous ensemble builds. At its climax, SisterHelen’s head falls between her legs. Quick lightchange. We are back in real time and a real space.Sister Helen is slumping forward on the bench.

The Warden enters, goes to her quickly and helpsher straighten up.

25 What happened? You took him out there so fast.What’s wrong?

WardenI had to tell Joe, first.

Sister HelenWhat?

WardenThe governor turned down his request for a pardon.

Sister HelenAh. What about another appeal?

WardenHe’s out of time and luck, Sister. Joseph De Rocheris a dead man.

Sister Helen nods and the Warden begins to leave.We begin to hear the murmurs and whispers of allthe voices at once.

Sisters and childrenWe need you, Sister Helen. Where are you?

JosephHelp me, Sister. I don’t want to die. I need you.

31

Kitty, Owen, Jade, HowardShame on you! How could you do it? Where’s my comfort now? Who was there for my child? What kind of nun are you?

Joseph’s motherHelp my boy. Please don’t fail him like I did.

InmatesSave me. Pray for me. You sure are looking good,Sister. Help me.

Motor CopPray for my mama.

Father GrenvilleGo home now, Sister. A prison is no place for awoman. Not even a nun.

WardenYou all right, Sister?

She nods. He starts to leave her there.

Sister HelenWarden, can you change a dollar?

He finds the change in his pocket. He gives her the change, refuses the dollar.

WardenIt’s on me, Sister.

He goes. The voices continue to get louder. SisterHelen puts the coins in the Coke machine slot.

We hear them roll into place. We hear the thud of anold time green-glass Coke bottle as it thuds down intoplace. This time Sister Helen faints, dropping like adead weight.

32

Philip Cutlip Joseph

33

ACT TWO

1 Prelude

Scene 1: Joseph’s cellAfter a short prelude, we hear the rock and roll song from the first act. Over that we suddenly hearcounting. The lights come up in Joseph’s cell. Thesong we hear is playing on the tape player in the cell.Joseph is doing push-ups in his underwear. He iscovered in tattoos. The Warden enters. He watchesJoseph doing his push-ups before speaking to him.

Joseph2 31 ... 32 ... 33 ... 34 ... 35 ... 36 ... 37 ... 38 ...

WardenDe Rocher!

Joseph (ignoring him)39 ... 40 ... 41 ... 42 ... 43 ... 44

WardenDe Rocher, I’m talking to you. You hear me? Well?

JosephI hear ya. 45 ... 46 ... 47 ... 48 ... 49 ... 50 ... 51 ...52 ... 53 ... 54 ... 55

WardenThey set your date, Joe. August fourth. Midnight.

Joseph continues his push-ups, trying to ignore him.

You hear me? August four. Midnight. Suit yourself!

The Warden leaves.

JosephYa hear me? 56 ... I hear you. Loud and clear. 57...Hell, I think everyone heard you!

3 Everybody hear that? August four, old Joseph’s gonna die for his sins. Justice is served. Revenge is had. Everybody’s happy! Amen.

58 ... 59 ...

August fourth, come midnight. August four. My littlebrother’s birthday. Well, happy birthday, little brother!Here’s your present: a dead big brother.

August four, come midnight. Very precise. Down to a science. The second hand sweeps up to midnightand click, buzz, whir. Joseph De Rocher is a deadman.

Inmates (offstage)Joseph De Rocher.

Warden (offstage)Dead man walking!

JosephDead man walking! August four! You hear me? I hear you!

InmatesDead man walking home.

CD 2

34

JosephDead man walking! Every time a brother takes thatfinal walk. Dead man walking. Only this time thedead man is me. August four, come midnight. Why?Why do they do that? Warn people? Scare ’em? Sure.That’s all he wanted. Scare me. Scare me good. Get me to say: “Yeah! I did it, Warden! I killed thosetwo kids!” Yeah. Long as I don’t say it they got theirown conscience to worry about. I hear you! Loud and clear!

That’s what she wants, too. Say I did it so she canfeel good about herself. Good about her God. “Thetruth will set you free.” Free? Well, wake up, SisterHelen. Rise and shine. God lets bad things happen,and they happen all the time. Look at me. A badthing if ever there was. And why? Because, God letsbad things happen, Sister. Oh, He does. Sorry to letyou down, Sister. But, maybe it’s you who did thelettin’ down. I’m going to hell and you didn’t stop me,Sister. And so August four, come midnight, Josephgoes to hell. So why keep comin’ back, Sister? Whatdo you want? Nobody’s gonna hear me say it. I ain’tsorry for a thing! And August four, come midnight, all I’m gonna say is: Do what you gotta do. But if y’all think killing’s so bad, look at what you’re doin’. Let’s go.

He begins a new set of push-ups.

1 ... 2 ... 3 ... 4 ... 5 ...

He sits back and remembers the girl beneath him.

4 The girl. I remember the girl. Pretty. Big eyes. Why’d you have to scream? I wouldn’t’a hurt ya if youhadn’t screamed. The boy. Don’t remember the boy.Funny. I never think about the boy.

He gets up and turns on the tape player again, then resumes his push-ups, this time screaming the numbers out loud.

1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 6! 7! ...

He continues his push-ups as the lights come up onSister Helen’s bedroom. Suddenly we see the twomurdered teenagers standing near her as she sleeps.

Scene 2: Sister Helen’s bedroomThe lights come up on Sister Helen asleep in herbed. She is writhing from a nightmare. She sits boltupright in her bed and looks at the crucifix.

Sister Helen5 Oh!

She rubs her eyes with her hands. When she looksagain, the two teenagers are gone. She looks down at the small crucifix around her neck.

Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

We hear Sister Rose knocking at the door. She comesin and flips the lights on. She is in her nightgown.

Sister RoseHelen? Are you all right? I thought I heard you cry out.

Sister HelenI saw them, Rose.

Sister RoseWho?

35

Sister HelenTwo young children standing before me. There, by the cross.

Sister RoseLook at you. You’re exhausted.

Sister HelenThere’s someplace beyond exhaustion. That’s whereI am nearly all of the time now.

Sister RoseDo you realize what time it is? Try to sleep.

Sister HelenBut I can’t. I’ve all but given up on sleep. I haven’tslept well in weeks. Ever since...

Sister RoseSince you started going up there. We all see it. We’re all worried for you. It’s too much for you. Too much for anyone!

Sister HelenI have dreams, Rosie, terrible dreams. Dreams ofJoseph. Dreams of those two children he’s accusedof killing.

Sister RoseThe children he’s convicted of killing.

Sister HelenHe still says that he’s innocent.

Sister RoseYou know better, Helen. We both do.

Sister HelenNo! Only God knows. Only God can judge. Only God can forgive us. August fourth at midnight.August fourth. Our little Jimmy’s birthday.

Sister RoseLet me write to him and tell him you’re not able tocontinue with this.

Sister HelenI gave my word and he has nobody else.

Sister RoseHe’s only one man. And we tend many, Sister.

Sister HelenAll alone in his cell waiting for August fourth. I have told him that God loves him and forgives him.But it is of no consolation to him.

Sister RoseAnd you?

Sister HelenWhat about me?

Sister RoseHave you forgiven him?

Sister HelenWhat a question! Of course I have! How can you even ask that?

36

Sister Rose6 God’s love and forgiveness are of precious little

consolation if we do not feel it from our fellow man.God forgives easily. God forgives readily. And I believethat God will forgive your Joe. But the human heart is less supple. Less kind. Less forgiving. Less wise.And if you truly want to help this man, you mustforgive him just as our Lord has done. That’s whatJoseph asks of you. That’s what God asks of you.Nothing less. Nothing more.

Sister HelenI’m being tested. My faith is being tested. Help me to be strong, Sister. Help me to forgive him.

Sister RoseSometimes forgiveness is in the smallest gesture.

Sister HelenForgiveness.

Sister RoseThe touch of a hand, a look, or a smile.

Sister HelenJust the smallest gesture.

Sister RoseBut words aren’t forgiveness. Doing is.

Sister HelenI remember when I was little, no matter how bad I’d been, I always knew my mama loved me andforgave me.

Sister RoseBut not by her words.

Sister Rose and Sister HelenNo, almost never by her words.

Sister HelenIt was the way she buttoned my coat, even the topbutton.

Sister RoseThe way she’d brush my hair to make it shine.

Sister HelenThe way she held my hand ...

Sister Rose and Sister Helen... held it tightly all the way to school. And it was allwithout a word. And all was forgiven. All without aword. All without a sound.

Sister HelenWhat should I do?

Sister RoseGo to him. Listen to him. Maybe take his hand. It’s no big deal.

Sister HelenHow will I know that I’ve forgiven him? Truly forgiven him?

Sister RoseYou’ll know. I wouldn’t be surprised if your heartdidn’t burst from it. Try to sleep now.

37

Joyce DiDonato Sister HelenMeasha Brueggergosman Sister Rose

38

Rose embraces Helen and kisses her on theforehead.

Sister HelenI don’t think I’ll really sleep ’til this is over. Say aRosary with me?

Sister RoseHoney, ordinarily I’d love to but do you know whattime it is? I’m pullin’ rank here. Lights out!

Rose turns the lights out and closes the door behindher as she leaves. In the soft glow of a votive light, we see Helen cross herself and begin to recite.

Sister HelenHail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women.

Helen prays silently as the lights dim. She looks up at the cross again.

Scene 3: Joseph’s cell. August 4 in the evening

Inmates (offstage)Well? Well? Well? Well?

Sister Helen enters Joseph’s holding cell prior to his execution.

Joseph7 What time is it?

Sister HelenNearly seven.

JosephYa know, I heard Las Vegas is like this. Artificial lights,24 hours a day. You never know what time it is. Younever know what day it is. But you probably ain’t neverbeen to Vegas.

Sister HelenActually, I have. My father took us when we were little.

JosephYou win something?

Sister HelenNo. But I saw Elvis Presley.

JosephElvis? No. Really? You saw the King? I can’t believe it.

Sister HelenHe was in his “Zarathustra” phase.

JosephWhat’d he look like?

Sister HelenThe white jumpsuit, tinted aviator shades. Overweight.It was one of the greatest moments of my life. It still is.

JosephYou saw the King? I never met anyone who saw theKing before.

39

Sister HelenSo you liked Elvis, too?

JosephMore than liked. I wanted to be him. I wouldn’t havewound up like this, that’s for sure. “Blue SuedeShoes.”

Sister Helen“Heartbreak Hotel.”

Joseph“That’s All Right, Mama.”

Sister Helen“You Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hound Dog”, Joseph!

Sister Helen and JosephAnd “The Jailhouse Rock”!

They burst into laughter.

JosephNo, sir. I wouldn’t be on Death Row talkin’ to no rock-n-roll nun. Hey, what time is it?

Sister HelenAbout two minutes later than the last time you asked.(more urgently)

8 Joseph!

JosephI’m scared, okay?

Sister HelenYou wouldn’t be human if you weren’t scared.

JosephHuman? Who said I was human?

Sister HelenI think you’re very human. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t. I don’t know why you killed those children. I can’t pretend I do. But that doesn’t mean I have no compassion for you. Or that I don’t care. Because I do care about you, Joseph.

JosephLook. I’m really sorry that those kids are dead –sorrier than you’ll ever know – but I ain’t confessingto something that I didn’t do.

Sister HelenI’m trying. I’m trying to help you, Joseph. But you’vegot to let me in. And you’ve got to tell me the truth.

JosephHave you let me in, Sister Helen?

Sister HelenOh, yes. So much more than I ever imagined.

JosephWould you die for me?

Sister HelenI don’t know. But I know that part of me will die when you do, Joe.

40

JosephHey, none of that sentimental crap, okay?

Sister HelenOkay.

JosephJust be there for me.

Sister HelenI’m here.

The first guard enters.

First guardDe Rocher! Your family’s here.

JosephMy mama?

First guardThey’re waiting.

JosephI guess this is it then. The beginning of the end.

Sister Helen and Joseph follow the guard out of the cell.

Sister HelenI’m right here.

Scene 4: The visiting roomMrs De Rocher and Joseph’s older brother andyounger brother are waiting in the Visitors Room.There is a clock. It says 7:30. There is a Cokemachine and an overhead fan. Joseph’s family iseach dressed in their best. The younger brother is noisily turning pages in a magazine. The olderbrother combs his hair. Mrs De Rocher sits quietly.

Younger brother9 The new Ford Mustangs are so cool.

The older brother punches him in the arm so he’ll be quiet.

Ouch! He ain’t here yet.

He punches him again.

Ouch!

Joseph enters with Sister Helen, escorted by twoguards.

JosephHey, Mama.

Joseph’s motherHey, Joey. How are you?

JosephGood. Real good.

Joseph’s motherYou put on some weight, son?

JosephYeah. Sittin’ around all day.

41

Younger brotherHey, Joe.

Older brotherHey.

JosephYou boys been helping your mama?

Joseph’s motherThey been real good, Joey. Real good. They paintedthe porch and fixed up the screen door.

Older brotherBetty Sue’s gonna marry me.

Younger brotherAnd I’m gonna be the best man!

JosephI’m real proud of you both. You’re the men of thefamily now.

Older brotherWe know, Joe.

Younger brotherWe’re all gonna miss you. I mean...

This breaks it. Joseph is the first to regaincomposure.

JosephYou all know Sister Helen.

Joseph’s motherGood to see you, Sister.

Sister HelenI’ll be right over here. C’mon boys.

Helen takes the boys over to the Coke machine,leaving Joseph to talk with his mother. The twoguards stand aside.

Joseph’s mother10 All those people out there. All the cameras

and reporters. I didn’t know what to say.

Sister Helen (to the boys)Who wants a Coke? It’s my treat.

JosephYou don’t have to say a thing to anyone, Mama.

First guardOne more on his way.

Joseph’s motherSo confusing. All the questions. And I have noanswers.

Second guardOne more down.

First guardYou eat yet?

Second guardNo. Maybe later. After.

42

First guardMaybe I’ll join you.

JosephMama, I’m so sorry. I’ve brought such shame to you.

Joseph’s motherWe said we weren’t gonna do that, Joe.

JosephI’m so sorry.

Joseph’s motherAs long as I know you didn’t do all those terriblethings. There’s nothing to be sorry for. There’snothing to forgive you for.

First guardOne more on the way out.

Second guardJust one more day and one more dead.

First guardAn eye for an eye. The Bible says it. The Bible tells us.

Second guardA hand for a hand. The Bible demands it.

Joseph’s motherI spent all morning baking special cookies for you.They wouldn’t let me bring them in. Must be afraidthat I’d poison you.

JosephCan you forgive me, Mama? Can you forgive me?

Joseph’s motherImagine. Thinking I’d poison my oldest son.

First guard and second guardIt’s the word of the Lord!

JosephPlease. Mama.

Joseph’s motherBut there’s nothing to forgive. You told me yourself.You’ve done nothing wrong.

JosephI... I...

Joseph’s motherI believe you, Joey! I’ve always believed you! SisterHelen, please, would you take a picture of my family?

Sister HelenOf course. I’d be happy to.

Joseph’s motherI’ve got a camera in my bag. It’s in here somewhere.Ah, here it is.

She hands the camera to Sister Helen.

Gather ’round me, boys.

Sister HelenI’m terrible with cameras.

43

Younger brotherIt’s the little button.

Sister HelenThis one? Everybody ready? One. Two. Three.

Sister Helen takes the picture and the cameraflashes. For a moment the family is bathed in brightlight. Frozen in time in a loving bond. Then the lightfades back to normal. The Warden enters.

That was really nice.

JosephYou look so pretty, Mama.

WardenTime’s up, folks. Sorry, ma’am.

The guards move to take Joseph away.

Joseph’s motherI understand.

JosephThey gotta get me ready. They gotta take me to the...

Sister Helen (trying to spare his mother the details.)That’s all right, Joseph.

JosephMama, I want you to know that I never... I neverwanted to...

Joseph’s motherNo, son. No.

11 Don’t say a word. Let me look at you. See, I’msmiling. Smiling at you. Smiling and remembering alittle boy. My Joe. Little Joey. How you loved to swimand splash around in the water. All the funny tricksyou’d do. Remember? My little porpoise! Laughing in the sun. Running free. Oh, what a happy boy.Such a happy boy. I remember. Yes. That’s what I’mremembering. I still see him in you, that little boy. I always will. No goodbyes now. Look. I’m still smiling.

Will you call me later?

Joseph (as the guards start to take him off)Sure I will. You boys look after your mama. I’m countin’ on you.

The boys nod and start to cry.

Hey! No tears. We’re De Rochers. And we only crywhen we run out of beer.

Joseph and the guards leave the stage. The secondhe is offstage, Joseph’s mother loses control andbegins to sob.

Joseph’s motherJoey! Joey!

Sister Helen goes to her.

I only wanted another look at my boy. You’ve been so good to him and all of us. I can never repay you.Never. I got them cookies out there.

Sister HelenI’d like them, Mrs De Rocher.

44

Michael Sumuel First guardBoris Dyakov Second guardPhilip Cutlip JosephFrederica von Stade Joseph’s mother

45

Joseph’s motherGood. That’s good.

He’s a good boy. You see it, too, don’t you, Sister?You see that little boy. It’s not just that I’m his mother.It’s not only that I love him more than I could evershow, ever really know to say to him: I love you, Joe.

Sister HelenHe’s your son. I see the good in him. And I see theChrist in him. It’s not just that I’m his friend. It’s that I love him as our Lord loves all his children. Equal inhis eyes. All God’s children are loved. God loves Hischildren.

Joseph’s mother and the two boys leave the stage.Sister Helen stands alone.

12 Who will walk with me? Who will travel with me?My journey is terrible, too. Who will take my hand?Who will guide me? We will walk together, Joseph. Side by side. You and I. We walk together, by and by.

Scene 5: Outside of the Death HousePreparations are being made for the witnesses to the execution. The families of the victims and otherwitnesses have begun to arrive.

Sister Helen(She has come face-to-face with the parents.)

13 Good evening.

She is ignored.

I hope that Mr De Rocher’s death will bring you some measure of satisfaction.

Howard BoucherDo you have a confession of guilt for us? Do you have an apology?

Sister HelenI’m afraid not.

Jade BoucherYou’ve been on his side from the start.

Kitty HartYou never really tried to understand how we feel.

HowardYou never called or came to help us.

Owen HartYou never asked about my little girl.

JadeYou’ve been on his side from the start.

Sister HelenBut I’m on your side, too.

Kitty and JadeIt doesn’t work like that!

HowardThat’s not how it goes.

Sister HelenI’m on the side of truth.

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Kitty, Jade, Howard and OwenIt doesn’t work like that.

HowardIt’s him or us.

KittyIt’s right or wrong.

JadeSister?

A long silence.

Second guardThis way, folks.

Kitty, Jade, Howard and the guard leave. Owenremains behind with Sister Helen.

Owen14 I’ve said some harsh things. Had some harsh

thoughts. Now I’m not so sure if anything will everbring me peace. Nothing’s gonna bring back my little girl. That’s for certain. That’s for sure.

Sister HelenDeep as the sea is your sorrow.

OwenI know my pain is about my child’s death. Not hisdeath. But I’m stuck with who I am and how I feel,day after day. Night after night. Looking in the mirror,what a sad man I see.

Sister HelenI’d like to visit you and your wife.

OwenMy wife and I have separated.

Sister HelenI’m sorry.

OwenEveryone sorry. Everyone sad. Doesn’t say much for the church. Doesn’t say much for the laws ofLouisiana.

Sister HelenEveryone so sorry. Everybody so sad and lost. Lost to themselves and to each other. And to God.

OwenExcuse me. It was a long drive and I haven’t eaten.

Sister Helen (She puts her hand out to him.)Could we part friends?

OwenFriends? I don’t know. Fellow victims of Joseph De Rocher, perhaps. Come visit, and soon.

Owen leaves the room. Sister Helen stays where she is.

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Scene 6: Joseph’s holding cellLights up on Joseph. Guards are preparing him for the execution. He is stripped to his shorts prior to putting on a special uniform.

First guard15 You’re a regular illustrated man, De Rocher.

Second guardThere’s a lotta sick wackos out there who would give me good money for your hair.

First guardYes, indeed. For a piece of your hair.

Second guardOr a bit of this cloth.

First guard and second guardA little souvenir from 95281.

The guards help Joseph into a uniform with shortlegs and sleeves. Sister Helen approaches.

First guardHe’s all yours, Sister.

Scene 7: The Confession

Joseph16 How much longer? How much more time?

Sister HelenDo you really want to know?

JosephYes. No. I’m so ashamed. I’m a scrawny little SOB,ain’t I?

Sister HelenJoseph! There isn’t much time. Please tell me. Tell me what happened that night.

JosephI told you! I already told everyone and you a hundredtimes. My brother killed ’em. I was just there. Stonedand wrecked, but I didn’t do it. That’s all there is totell.

Sister HelenThe truth will set you free, Joe.

JosephI told the truth and all it’s gotten me is a one-wayticket to the death house.

Sister HelenI went there, Joseph.

JosephWent where?

Sister HelenI’ve been to the spot. The first time in daylight, but the next time at night.

JosephYou went there?

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Sister HelenI saw the lake and the spot where they parked thecar. Where they spread the blanket. Where they both died.

JosephWhy? Why would you do that? Why would you go and do a thing like that?

Sister HelenI wanted to see what had happened through youreyes. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t. I need you to takeme there. Take me there with you, Joseph. Please,take me there. Don’t you see it’s your last chance?

Joseph17 We’d been drinkin’ and smokin’ weed at the road

house.

Sister HelenGo on.

JosephThere was a woman eggin’ me on and actin’ like shewanted me like I wanted her like... She gave mesomethin’. Somethin’ that made me crazier than thebooze and the grass had. And when I asked her to go to the lake with me, she laughed.

I was crazy and ready to explode. That’s how mad I was now. My brother said that the kids from thehigh school went out to the lake just to make out.And maybe, maybe we could find someone out there to...

I can’t. Not when you’re looking at me like that.

Sister HelenGo on. I’m right here with you. Take me to the truth,Joe.

JosephThere was one car. We could hear laughing. A girland a boy. They were swimmin’ and we watched and waited.

Sister Helen (to herself)“Gather us around ... all around ...”

JosephThe girl was pretty and I wanted her. Wanted herbad. But she wouldn’t stop screamin’. And my head!

Sister Helen (still to herself)Oh, God. Dear God. My Jesus, what has he done?

JosephI had to make her quiet. I had to make her stop.

Sister HelenAnd the truth. The truth!

Joseph18 I killed her. Sister, I killed her with my own two hands.

Sister HelenYou did a terrible thing, Joe. You did a terrible,terrible thing, Joe. But you are still a son of God.

JosephA son of God? Don’t you hate me now, too?

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Joyce DiDonato Sister HelenPhilip Cutlip Joseph

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Sister HelenNo, no. I don’t hate you.

JosephBut, could anyone forgive me?

Sister HelenGod is here, Joe. God is here right now.

JosephI did such a bad thing, Sister.

Sister HelenJoseph...

JosephMaybe my dyin’ will give them folks some relief.

Sister HelenJoe, when they do this thing to you...

JosephSister Helen, I’m gonna die!

Sister HelenI want you to look at me. Look at me, Joe. I want thelast thing you see in this world to be a face of love.Look at me, Joe. I will be the face of Christ for you. I will be the face of love for you.

A gate crash interrupts them. We see the Warden,Chaplain and guards approach.

JosephI’ve never known love, except for my mama.

Sister HelenShe loves you.

JosephBut I feel yours. Thank you for loving me, SisterHelen.

WardenTime to go, Joe.

Sister HelenI’m right here. Right here.

Father GrenvilleDo you want to recite the Lord’s Prayer with me, son?

JosephNo thanks, Father.

Father Grenville (to the Warden)Excuse me, Warden. I think somebody ought to besaying it. Unless the sister has an objection?

Sister HelenOf course not, Father.

Father GrenvilleFine, then.

WardenLet’s go.

19 Dead Man Walking!

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Scene 8: The ExecutionFather Grenville begins to recite the Lord’s Prayer.From all parts of the stage, we hear the prayerechoing back as the group begins its walk to thedeath chamber. We hear the voices of the parents,the inmates, a prayer vigil outside of the prison.

Father Grenville, Kitty and Owen Hart, Jade andHoward Boucher, guards, sisters and mothers of the prayer vigil outside the prison, inmatesOur Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thyname. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earthas it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily breadand forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those whotrespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. Amen.

JosephYou OK, Sister Helen?

Sister HelenI’m OK. Christ is here, Joe. Remember to look at me.

Joseph (to the Warden)Can Sister Helen touch me?

Sister HelenI’m right behind you.

The Warden nods his OK. Sister Helen puts her handon Joseph’s shoulder and reads from her Bible.

WardenDead Man Walking!

Sister Helen (reading from Isaiah 43:2)Do not be afraid, I have called you by your name. You are mine. Should you pass through the sea, I will be with you.

The procession passes the witnesses in the ViewingRoom. The death chamber itself comes into view.Joseph’s knees buckle at the sight of it. The guardsdo not let him fall.

WardenThat’s as far as you go, Sister.

JosephGoodbye, Sister Helen. Thank you.

Sister HelenGoodbye, Joe. I love you.

JosephI love you, too.

Sister HelenLook for me. I’ll be there.

WardenThat’s enough now. This way, Sister.

The Warden leads Sister Helen to the Viewing Roomas Joseph is led to the gurney. His shackles areremoved and he is strapped to the gurney. After he is made secure on the gurney, the guards leave theroom. Joseph is alone. Someone unseen pushes abutton and the gurney is raised perpendicular.

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Joseph, arms outstretched, is facing us and thewitnesses in the Viewing Room. The Warden speaksto him on a microphone.

WardenHave any last words, De Rocher?

JosephYes sir, I do. I wanna ask the parents’ forgiveness forwhat I did. I did a terrible thing takin’ your childrenfrom you. And I would just like to say that I hope you get some relief from my death.

There is a pause.

WardenProceed.

An IV nurse enters the death chamber. She swabsJoseph’s arm then puts the IV needle in and exits.Joseph looks at Sister Helen.

JosephI love you.

We see Sister Helen behind the glass. She stretchesher hand to Joseph and her lips move but we do nothear her say “I love you, too.” Dead silence. We hearthe mechanical sounds of the death machinery as itgoes into its inevitable action. Joseph tries to smile.His body twitches. In the Viewing Room, we see histwo young victims standing with their parents.Joseph’s head slumps forward. The Viewing Roomand the people within it fade from view.

Sister Helen approaches. She looks up at Joseph and sings her song. Her voice is clear and strong.

Sister Helen20 “He will gather us around, all around.

He will gather us around.By and by, you and I.All around Him, gather us around.”

Blackout. Curtain.

Libretto by Terrence McNally C 2000

Live recording from Houston Grand Opera, 24 January, 2 & 6 February 2011Music director: Patrick SummersProduced by Marlan Barry, Bethany Self and Carl Wilson.Engineered, edited, mixed and mastered by Marlan Barry

Cover image: Russell Lee / Millennium Images, UKProduction photos: Felix Sanchez, courtesy of Houston Grand Opera.

Houston Grand Opera gratefully acknowledges thosewhose support made possible the stage production of Dead Man Walking: Franci and Jim Crane, Bill and Sara Morgan, Vinson & Elkins LLP, Boulware & Valoir / Meg Boulware and Hartley Hampton, National Endowment for the Arts, Mr and Mrs Daniel A. Breen Jr., and Hinda Simon.

The recording was made possible in part by generouscontributions from The Ann and Gordon GettyFoundation, Mrs Robert J. Bruni, Franci and Jim Crane,Lela and Robin Gibbs, Bill and Sara Morgan, Hinda Simon, and Birgitt and Deo van Wijk.

P 2012 The copyright in this sound recording is owned by Houston Grand Opera, under exclusive licence to EMI Records Ltd/Virgin Classics. Artwork C 2012 EMI Records Ltd/Virgin ClassicsMusic by Jake Heggie C 2000Libretto by Terrence McNally C 2000

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