UT Opera presents Dialogues of the Carmelites by Francis PoulencFriday, Apr 25, 2025

Dialogues of the Carmelites (Dialogues des Carmélites) 

by Francis Poulenc

Based on the screenplay Dialogues des Carmélites by Georges Bernanos, which itself draws inspiration from the novella Die Letzte am Schafott by Gertrud von Le Fort, and rooted in the 1794 historical events of the Martyrs of Compiègne.

This powerful opera in three acts sung in French with English language super titles is a fictionalized version of the true story of the Martyrs of Compiègne.

Set in the closing days of the “Reign of Terror” during the French Revolution, Dialogues of The Carmelites is a fictionalized version of the true story of the Martyrs of Compiègne, when 16 members of the Carmelites of Compiègne, France were sentenced to death for refusing to renounce their vocation.

Accused and convicted of defying the Revolutionary government's Civil Constitution of the Clergy - which mandated the suppression of their monastery - the Martyrs of Compiègne were executed by guillotine in the Place de l’Île de la Réunion on July 17, 1794. They were subsequently buried in a mass grave at Picpus Cemetery.

Their sacrifice serves as a haunting reminder of the devastating consequences of fear, bigotry, and intolerance carried out under the guise of government authority. May we honor their memory - and the countless others who have suffered under oppressive regimes - by striving to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.

Tickets are $25.00 for adults, $5.00 for students.
Seating is General Admission.

We reserve the right to revoke tickets sold to a broker or unauthorized third party. If you are holding a revoked ticket, you will not be admitted and will not receive a refund.

Production Note:
This event is a rental engagement presented by a third-party promoter.
We recommend children should be at least 12 years old to attend.
This production will include the use of prop firearms.