Works & Process will present Minnesota Opera’s The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, a new operatic adaptation of the acclaimed graphic novel, at the Peter B. Lewis Theater in New York City on October 12, offering audiences an advance look at the production ahead of its world premiere in Saint Paul.
The presentation, scheduled for 7 p.m., will feature composer Kamala Sankaram, librettist Minita Gandhi and members of the production’s creative team. Cast members will also perform excerpts from the developing opera. Tickets for the New York event start at $15.
The project is among the latest productions developed through Minnesota Opera’s New Works Initiative, a commissioning program focused on expanding the operatic repertoire through contemporary works and collaborations between composers and librettists.
Graphic Novel Moves From Page to Operatic Stage
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr is based on the acclaimed graphic novel by writer Ram V. and artist Filipe Andrade, published by BOOM! Studios. Sankaram and Gandhi are adapting the story for the operatic stage.
The narrative uses magical realism to examine mortality, purpose and the relationship between divine and human existence. Its central character is the goddess of Death, who is sent to Earth and forced to experience life as a mortal named Laila Starr.
The opera’s musical framework incorporates elements of Konnakol, Raga and electronic dance music, bringing together different musical influences as the production explores themes of life, death and impermanence.
The New York presentation will provide audiences with insight into how the graphic novel is being transformed into a live theatrical production before its world premiere in Saint Paul.
Creative Team to Discuss Development Process
The Works & Process program will bring together Ram V., Sankaram and Gandhi for a discussion about the development of the opera. They will be joined by members of the creative team, including director Mary Birnbaum, scenic designer Mimi Lien, costume designer Oana Botez and choreographer Rohit Gijare.
The discussion will be interspersed with excerpts performed by members of the cast, providing attendees with a preview of the production’s musical and theatrical elements.
Following the program, attendees will have an opportunity to continue the discussion during a reception in the rotunda.
The event reflects the broader Works & Process approach of giving audiences access to artists and creative teams while productions are being developed, providing additional context around the artistic and collaborative decisions involved in bringing new works to the stage.
Minnesota Opera Continues Investment in New Works
Minnesota Opera launched its New Works Initiative in 2008 as a commissioning program aimed at introducing contemporary productions into the operatic canon.
The initiative has resulted in the premieres of nine new operas, including Silent Night, The Shining, Doubt, Edward Tulane and The Song Poet.
Its current structure centers on a six-person creative cohort consisting of three composers and three librettists. The artists work in different combinations with the goal of collectively producing three full-scale operas, three chamber operas and three song cycles.
The current cohort includes composers Kamala Sankaram, David Hanlon and B.E. Boykin, alongside librettists Minita Gandhi, John de los Santos and Harrison David Rivers.
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr is the second opera from the current cohort to move toward its premiere, following Boykin and Rivers’ My Name is Florence, which premiered in January 2026.
Public and Private Funding Supports Works & Process
Works & Process receives financial backing from a combination of foundations, individual donors and public arts programs. Lead supporters include the AG Foundation, Christian Humann Foundation, Leon Levy Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, The Evelyn Sharp Foundation and The SHS Foundation, along with several individual donors.
Public funding includes support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. The organization also receives support from the New York State Council on the Arts, with backing from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
The October presentation will place The Many Deaths of Laila Starr before a New York audience as Minnesota Opera prepares the work for its Saint Paul world premiere, highlighting the continuing role of commissioning programs in developing new material for American opera.
