Our Bureau
New York, NY
Works & Process presents The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, a performance from the Minnesota Opera by Kamala Sankaram and Minita Gandhi on Monday, October 12, 2026 at 7PM at the Peter B. Lewis Theater, 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10128. Tickets start at $15.
Witness the transformation of BOOM! Studios’ acclaimed graphic novel The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V. and Filipe Andrade into a vivid and transporting tale for the operatic stage by composer Kamala Sankaram and librettist Minita Gandhi. Commissioned and developed by Minnesota Opera’s groundbreaking New Works Initiative, the opera explores the blurred boundary between divine and human through the lens of magical realism when the goddess of Death is cast down to Earth to live as a mortal named Laila Starr.
Ahead of the world premiere in Saint Paul join Ram V., Sankaram, Gandhi, and members of the opera’s creative team––including director Mary Birnbaum, scenic designer Mimi Lien, costume designer Oana Botez, and choreographer Rohit Gijare––for a conversation about their collaborative process, interwoven with cast members performing excerpts. Infused with elements of Konnakol, Raga, and EDM, this fantasy on purpose and impermanence unfolds with both kinetic energy and striking clarity, as a god made mortal begins to see the world––and life itself––through fresh eyes. All are invited to continue the conversation at a reception in the rotunda.
Minnesota Opera’s New Works Initiative is a groundbreaking commissioning program aimed at invigorating the operatic canon with an infusion of contemporary works. Launched in 2008, it has resulted in the premiere of nine new operas including Silent Night, The Shining, Doubt, Edward Tulane, The Song Poet, and more. The initiative is centered around a six-person creative cohort of three composers and three librettists who work in different pairings to collectively create three full-scale operas, three chamber operas, and three song cycles. The Many Deaths of Laila Starr is the second opera from the current cohort—composers Kamala Sankaram, David Hanlon, and B.E. Boykin and librettists Minita Gandhi, John de los Santos, and Harrison David Rivers—to premiere, following Boykin and Rivers’ My Name is Florence in January 2026.
Works & Process Lead Donors
Lead funding provided by AG Foundation, Stuart H. Coleman and Meryl Rosofsky, Adam and Abigail Flatto, Christian Humann Foundation, Leon Levy Foundation, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Tino and Rajika Puri, Stephen Kroll Reidy, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Denise and Andrew Saul, The Evelyn Sharp Foundation, and The SHS Foundation.
Additional support provided by Jody and John Arnhold, Jeff and Susan Campbell, Cate Caruso, Paul Cronson, Lucy and Philip Dobrin, Elizabeth Sharp Edens and Wes Edens, The Fanwood Foundation, Bart Friedman and Wendy Stein, Nina Matis, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts, Leon Polsky, Caroline M. Sharp, Randall Sharp, The Shubert Foundation, and Eugene and Jean Stark.
Works & Process is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
About Works & Process
Works & Process supports creative process from studio to stage so that performing artists can create with dignity. We produce fully funded residencies and present behind-the-scenes events that blend artist discussion and performance highlights. Our events go beyond the stage, so that audiences can spectate, participate, and continue the conversation at hosted receptions.
Each year, Works & Process produces more than 25 creative residencies with over a dozen partners in seven states. These out-of-town residencies provide 24/7 studio access, on-site housing, access to health insurance enrollment, industry-leading artist fees, and a transportation stipend to facilitate uninterrupted creative process. In over 100 Works & Process residencies, supporting over 1,000 artists, incubated works have gone on to receive awards, grants, and tour nationally—and internationally, with the U.S. State Department.
Beyond Guggenheim New York, we also partner with organizations across New York City, including 92NY, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Jerome Robbins Dance Division, and Free Food Refettorio Harlem. During the fall, we curate and present free outdoor dance programs with Manhattan West.