UNC Opera Theatre alum Yamuna Meleth stars as Annu, the sister of Mukhtar Mai, in Opera Ithaca’s new production Thumbprint – a contemporary opera inspired by the true story and heroic fight of Mukhtar Mai, the first female victim of gang rape to bring her male attackers to justice in Pakistan. In lieu of a financial settlement, Mai requested the construction of schools for girls, that through education they may be freed of the humiliation of signing their name only with their thumbprint.
The story is told through a dynamic score by Kamala Sankaram, filled with Hindustani and European opera influences, and a libretto by Susan Yankowitz, originating from a series of interviews with Mai.
Thumbprint is playing December 2, 3, and 4 at The Hangar Theatre in Ithica, NY.
