On 14 August 2025, the Werkstattbühne theatre hosted the world premiere of Emily – No Prisoner Be, commissioned by the Bregenz Festival. At the heart of this new work was the audacious, mysterious, at times provocative but also humorous verse of American poet Emily Dickinson (born 1830).
US composer Kevin Puts, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music, multiple Grammy winner Joyce DiDonato, and the trio Time for Three, who transcend conventional musical boundaries, explored the poetic world of Emily Dickinson. Under the direction of Andrew Staples, a versatile artist with experience in film, theatre, and opera, the production offered a fascinating new perspective on Dickinson's poetry. Emily – No Prisoner Be delved into a unique poetic cosmos of deep emotion, existential questions, and a special connection to nature.
