Music by Lisa DeSpain, libretto by David Simpatico, based on a short story by Robert Bloch (PSYCHO)

Lisa DeSpain is an alumna of UNT and has received two notable grants for this new opera: a 2020 National Endowment for the Arts - Challenge America Award, and a 2018 OPERA America Discovery Grant. UNT Opera assists the composer in her creative process by workshopping scenes from this world premiere prior to its first full production.

The story: Martin, an orphan, drifter, and petty criminal makes a deal with The Conductor, one wish in exchange for his soul. Thinking to outsmart The Conductor, Martin asks for the power to stop time and live forever in the happiest moment of his life. Armed with the Conductor's watch, Martin sets forth on the journey of life searching for that perfect moment, a perfect moment in a life-time in which he can live happily - forever.

Learn more at the That Hellbound Train website

*Workshops are free*