Portland Opera presents Sankaram’s “Thumbprint”

The Portland Opera presents “Thumbprint,” inspired by the true story of Mukhtar Mai, a trailblazing Pakistani activist whose fight for justice and safety reminds us that women’s rights are human rights. Performances are 7:30 p.m. March 18, 22 and 24 and 2 p.m. March 26 at the Newmark Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway, Portland. Tickets are $37 to $129 at portland5.com/newmark-theatre/events/thumbprint.

After surviving sexual violence perpetrated by a local tribal council in retribution for her brother’s alleged crimes, Mukhtar decides to live and that decision changes the world. Her hope: Open a village school for girls to learn to read and write, so that they may avoid the humiliation of signing their names with only a thumbprint. Heartening and optimistic, this opera is about restorative justice. The opera is sung in English with captions. This production includes depiction or themes of content for mature audiences only.