Meet The Visionaries Translating ‘Lincoln In The Bardo’ To Stage At The Met Opera

On 19 October Lincoln In The Bardo had its world premiere at The Metropolitan Opera in New York – and made history in the process. Composer Missy Mazzoli became the first woman to have an opera premiere at the Met, adapted by librettist Royce Vavrek from George Saunders’ Booker Prize-winning novel. The novel, released in 2017, is a kaleidoscopic, supernatural epic, and was Dua’s Monthly Read for October 2024. The New York Times made it a Critic’s Pick, calling it ‘as funny, strange and big-hearted as the novel.’

Named by the NYT as one of the 100 best books of the 21st century, Lincoln In The Bardo transports readers to Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington DC, where President Abraham Lincoln contends with his grief on a visit to the crypt where his son Willie lies dead. Unfolding over a single night, the narrative explores the Buddhist concept of the bardo – the liminal state between life and the afterlife – through a cacophony of ghostly characters that inhabit the graveyard.

In this exclusive mini-documentary, Service95 goes behind the scenes to follow the novel’s creative journey from the drawing board and rehearsal rooms to the opening night. Produced in partnership with The Met Opera, it draws upon the craft of those at the heart of the process, and how it was brought to life. It features director Lileana Blain-Cruz, composer Missy Mazzoli, librettist Royce Vavrek, puppet designer James Ortiz and members of the cast – as well as the author George Saunders himself.

The film follows how George’s cast of spirits (166 characters in the audio book!) was distilled into a stage ensemble, and how Mazzoli wrote a score in which a chorus of ghosts sigh into kazoos. It also shows how the bardo’s menacing tendrils were dreamt up for the stage. Through interviews, onstage arias and orchestral rehearsals, the documentary shows the craft behind one of the most ambitious adaptations the Met has staged.

Hit play to find out how its creators, cast and crew brought Saunders’ spectacular book to life on stage. 

Lincoln In The Bardo runs at The Met Opera until 14 November. Tickets available from $25. 

Watch Dua’s interview with George Saunders here and read an exclusive interview with the author on the writing of Lincoln In The Bardo here.