Kevin Puts

On 14 August 2025, the Werkstattbühne theatre space will be the venue for the world premiere of Emily – No Prisoner Be, commissioned by the Bregenz Festival. At the heart of this new work by the Tero Saarinen Company is the audacious, mysterious, at times provocative but also humorous verse of American poet Emily Dickinson (born in 1830). The American composer Kevin Puts, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for music, joins forces with opera singer Joyce DiDonato, a multiple Grammy winner, to take a new look at Dickinson’s poetry – ably assisted by the stage director and lighting designer Marie Lambert-Le Bihan and the Time for Three string trio, who defy all musical conventions. Dickinson’s work deals with the freedom of the spirit and the search for identity, often calling faith and social norms into question. Emily – No Prisoner Be explores a unique poetic cosmos characterised by deep emotions, existential questions and a particular connection with nature.

Tickets and all further information about Emily – No Prisoner Be, including the program, performance times and other details, can be found here.