General Director Matthew Shilvock writes: “San Francisco Opera continues its second century with a season that demonstrates the potential of opera to connect to the most fundamental aspects of our humanity . . . through works of searing contemporary resonance like The Handmaid’s Tale." 

The central concept of the opera is based on Margaret Atwood's dystopian-themed 1985 novel The Handmaid’s Tale—that women are subordinate to men, must take on domestic and subservient roles including ritualized rape. Female worth is tied to becoming mothers. No reading, No owning property, No careers allowed. The theocratic extremist government is opposed to dissidents, academics, and "gender traitors."

Our panel (TBA shortly) includes SFO Opera fall season artists and production team in discussion about this projected fictional situation of the United States in a "not too distant future year"—which is amazingly relevant as we consider the hot button issues of American public affairs for fall 2024.