Purcell's final semi-opera is given a new narrative, but still keeps the beloved songs of the original, in this new remastering by ENO impresario Peter Sellars. This new version of The Indian Queen retells the initial confrontation between Europeans and the Mayans of the New World from a new female perspective, based on The Lost Chronicles of Terra Firma by Nicaraguan author Rosario Aguilar.

WHAT IS THE OPERA ABOUT?

Taking inspiration from Nicaraguan author Rosario Aguilar's novel The Lost Chronicles of Terra Firma, the action leaps between two Latin America and Europe, and spans several centuries as it follows the fortunes of seven very different women. One of these women, a young Nicaraguan journalist, provides the canvas upon which the others will appear as she travels the country with her Spanish partner, collecting information for a novel about women in Nicaragua at the time of the Spanish conquest. This historical narrative juxtaposes against modern-day events to highlight the region's on-going struggle.

 

This opera has been transformed into a revolutionary spectacle of music, theatre, dance, literature and visual art, with stunning set designs from LA-based graffiti artist, Gronk to capture modern-day Nicaragua.