Says the afternoon: “I thirst for shadow!”
The moon says: “I thirst for stars!”
The crystal fountain asks for lips
and the wind sighs.
I thirst for aromas and laughter,
thirst for new songs
without moons and without lilies,
and without dead loves.
This is an excerpt from “New Songs” by Federico García Lorca, one of the most celebrated Spanish poets of the 20th century. Apart from crafting verses on the themes of love, passion, and beauty, Lorca was known to boldly dive into the topic of death in his poetry, all until he met his own, executed at the hands of Nationalist Forces in 1936 at the mere age of 38.
Through powerful storytelling, Lorca’s life and tragic death are artfully explored in Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov’s opera “Ainadamar”, running at the Royal Theatre this month.
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Set against the backdrop of 20th-century Spain, the opera delves into evocative moments in Lorca’s life told through the memories of his muse, Catalan actress Margarita Xirgu.
In one part, Xirgu is near the end of her life and recalls her collaboration with Lorca on “Mariana Pineda,” his first successful play that told the tale of a martyr who fought for Spanish liberalism. The scenes change between 1936 and 1969 as Margarita is about to play Mariana one last time, explained conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia.
Lorca’s rumoured political affiliations with socialism and freemasonry, along with his queer sexual orientation, were what eventually led to his death on orders of right-wing military authorities in Granada. He was believed to have been murdered at Ainadamar, the “fountain of tears,” which is a natural spring in the hills.
Intertwining passion with history and fantasy, the opera unveils layers of mystery while painting a tableau of love, sacrifice and the power of art. The composition is done by Golijov, whose score is praised by Pacific Opera’s founding artistic director, Timothy Vernon, as a “gorgeous display of Spanish colours and idioms (including flamenco).”
Perhaps the greatest message that this opera will leave resonating with audiences is the power of art to transcend the darkest of times.
For tickets, visit pacificopera.ca/event/ainadamar.
