Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Music: Opera Institute and School of Theatre present Thumbprint as part of the 2025 Fringe Festival, from October 24 – 26, 2025 in Studio ONE. Tickets available soon.

Kamala Sankaram, composer • Susan Yankowitz, librettist (from a series of interviews with Mai) • Allison Voth, music director • Grant Sorenson (CFA’26), stage director

Thumbprint is inspired by the extraordinary transformation of Mukhtar Mai, a young woman whose world was shattered by an act of brutality that could have destroyed her. Instead, she discovers a weapon—her voice—and against all odds, to the astonishment of her country and herself, she seeks justice and finds it. “The worst thing in my life is also the best,” she says. “It has given my life meaning.” Her journey resonates beyond borders in its implicit belief that even in the darkest times, one person, one voice, through a single act of courage, can change life for thousands.