Federico Garcia Lorca’s tragic legacy takes center stage at LA Opera, as the poignant opera ‘Ainadamar’ sheds light on the life and death of the Spanish poet, exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition.
The opera Ainadamar, written by composer ‘Osvaldo Golijov in 2003’ , is a haunting portrayal of the life and tragic death of Spanish poet Federico García Lorca. The production, currently on stage at LA Opera through May 18, stars mezzo Daniela Mack as Lorca opposite soprano Ana María Martínez as Margarita Xirgu, famed Spanish stage actress and Lorca confidant.
Federico García Lorca was a Spanish poet, playwright, and theatre director.
Born on June 5, 1898, in Fuente Vaqueros, Spain, he is best known for his contributions to the Generation of '27 movement.
Lorca's work often explored themes of love, death, and social justice.
He wrote plays such as 'Blood Wedding' and 'Yerma', which are still widely performed today.
Lorca was tragically killed during the Spanish Civil War in 1936.
The inspiration for the opera was sparked by his own experiences with Argentina’s Dirty War from 1974 to 1983. He recalls having an image of a pomegranate floating, leaking melodies that were Jewish, Arab, Gypsy, Christian, and Flamenco, reflecting the diversity of Lorca’s life and work. The libretto was written in English by playwright David Henry Hwang and translated by Golijov himself.
Ana María Martínez brings her remarkable vocal range to the role of Margarita Xirgu, navigating the character’s transformation from a youthful, proud presence to one consumed by grief and worry. The actress notes that playing Lorca’s younger self requires a dynamic, high-energy performance, while the older version demands a more subdued, melancholic approach.
Born in Puerto Rico to a Puerto Rican mother and a Cuban father, Martínez has observed a shift in the air in major U.S. cities, resonating with current events such as government deportations targeting specific groups. She emphasizes the importance of awareness and vigilance, warning that the mistakes of the past can be repeated if we fail to study history.
A government deportation is the forced removal of an individual from a country, typically due to 'immigration violations'.
The process involves various stages, including detention, court proceedings, and repatriation.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there were over 3 million deportations globally in 2020.
Deportations can be voluntary or involuntary, with the latter often resulting from 'criminal convictions' or national security concerns.
Osvaldo Golijov, a Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowship winner, reflects on his own experiences with the Dirty War and its impact on his work. He notes that Ainadamar‘s resonance is unsettling, as it echoes contemporary issues such as government deportations and the targeting of specific groups. The composer warns that the threat of dictatorship can be subtle but deadly, citing his own privilege as a ‘white’ artist.
The truth behind Lorca’s death was revealed in 2015, when documents from a 1965 police file surfaced, suggesting the poet was persecuted for his beliefs and subjected to brutal treatment. The opera’s climax features soprano Vanessa Becerra reciting Lorca’s poem, which references the ‘fountain of tears’ – ainadamar – symbolizing Lorca himself.
As Golijov notes, Lorca’s words are perfectly set to music, capturing the essence of his being. The opera Ainadamar is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the human condition, offering a glimpse into the shadows that have shaped our world.
