Dead Man Walking

Based on the movie written and directed by Tim Robbins that he adapted from the nonfiction book by Sister Helen Prejean, Dead Man Walking is the story of Sister Prejean's experience as the spiritual advisor to Matt Poncelet, a convicted rapist/murderer on death row. With no doubt of Poncelet's involvement in the crime for which he is scheduled to die, Sister Prejean is faced with the moral and spiritual crises of offering comfort and support to the most detestable human being she has ever met. Yet as a servant of God, how can she refuse? And, if she stands by his side, how can she face the murdered victims' parents who are seeking justice for their unbearable loss? While tackling the difficult topic of capital punishment, the play explores the exceedingly complex relationship that builds between Sister Prejean and Matt Poncelet. Touching on such universal themes as revenge and redemption, crime and punishment and fear and salvation, Dead Man Walking asks all the right questions, but as Sister Prejean discovers, there are no easy answers

This deeply moving and brutally honest story examines, from all sides, the question: can the killing of a human being be justified? The playwright recognizes that there are no clear-cut answers and offers a balanced look at the many sub-issues of the argument. Whether for or against the death penalty, this play encourages reflection on why we feel the way we do.

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