The Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing

The Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing
Composer: Justine F. Chen
Librettist: David Simpatico
Conductor: Lidiya Yankovskaya
Director: Peter Rothstein
Chorus Master: A.J. Keller
Chicago Opera Theater, 2023

Called the father of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science, Alan Turing was a renowned computer scientist ahead of his time. Composer Justine F. Chen and librettist David Simpatico create this musical retelling of his captivating but ultimately tragic life.

Turing saves England from Nazi U-boats during World War II, but despite his innovative feat he was chemically castrated after being found guilty of gross indecency for a homosexual relationship. Two years later, he was found poisoned alongside a cyanide-laced apple. While his death was ruled a suicide, there are alternative theories to the cause. Considered a hero today in his native UK, “The Alan Turing Law” was passed by the British Parliament, exonerating all those punished under the “Gross Indecency” law.