The world of Emily Dickinson’s poetry is set to come alive on February 7, 2026, at Zellerbach Hall, where Cal Performances will present “Emily — No Prisoner Be.” This new work, co-commissioned by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts, features mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and the string trio Time for Three. The performance aims to highlight the richness of Dickinson’s verse, inviting audiences to experience the depth of her work in an engaging manner.
Berkeley lecturer John Shoptaw, a noted Dickinson scholar, emphasizes the importance of reading her poetry aloud. He believes that understanding her irregular metrics, slant rhymes, and distinct punctuation is essential to truly grasp her inner world. Shoptaw recalls his first encounter with Dickinson’s work during his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he read “Apparently with no Surprise.”
He describes this poem as a reflection on the daily unnoticed tragedies of life. Its exploration of the tension between hope and despair resonates deeply with him. Shoptaw explains, “It wasn’t exactly love at first sight… but something I’d never heard, and I said, ‘Wow, that’s a hymn.’”
This hymn-like quality is echoed in the music of various composers who have set Dickinson’s poetry to song, from Aaron Copland to contemporary artists like Phoebe Bridgers. The performance of “Emily — No Prisoner Be” will consist of 24 songs, each drawing from Dickinson’s vast array of themes and emotions.
Exploring the Depth of Dickinson’s Verse
Dickinson’s life in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she was born in 1830, was marked by her reclusive nature. Despite her prolific writing—nearly 1,800 poems—only a fraction was published during her lifetime, often modified to align with conventional standards. Shoptaw acknowledges that Dickinson’s unconventional style may not have been appreciated by her contemporaries, but it has gained recognition over time.
The performance will feature a range of Dickinson’s poems, including the passionate “Wild Nights! Wild Nights!” and the haunting “I felt a Funeral, in my Brain.” Shoptaw considers the latter one of her most ambitious works, capturing the intense emotions tied to grief and loss.
In this poem, Shoptaw notes the imagery of funeral processions, linking it to Dickinson’s personal experiences with death during the Civil War. He states, “There’s no poem more dramatic or emotionally intense than this poem,” highlighting its exploration of deep internal conflict.
Bringing Poetry to Life
The production aims to encapsulate the expansive nature of Dickinson’s imagination. DiDonato explains that the performance will not attempt to recreate Dickinson’s physical space but rather convey the vastness of her creative spirit. “We absolutely followed the mystical and infinite world of her poetry,” she states, emphasizing the abstract nature of the performance.
Shoptaw, who is teaching a seminar on Dickinson’s poetry this semester, encourages his students to discover their own connections with her work. He believes that the physical act of reading aloud and engaging with Dickinson’s poetry fosters a deeper understanding of its nuances, contrasting sharply with the polished, instantaneous nature of digital media.
He notes, “For Dickinson, the experience always transcends reality… you have to be responsive.” This interactive approach not only enriches the students’ comprehension but also emphasizes the evolving nature of her poems.
In a society increasingly dominated by digital interactions, Shoptaw posits that Dickinson’s poetry serves as a reminder to engage with our thoughts and emotions in a meaningful way. DiDonato echoes this sentiment, suggesting that Dickinson provides a model for reflection in a fast-paced world. “What a great example to us in 2026,” she says, advocating for the importance of creativity and introspection over mindless consumption of content.
To learn more about “Emily — No Prisoner Be,” tickets can be purchased through Cal Performances’ website or at the Zellerbach Hall ticket office. The accompanying album was released on January 30, 2026, featuring a captivating musical interpretation of Dickinson’s timeless poetry.
