Francisco López directs a double opera bill, made up of the short pieces, Goyescas and Master Peter's Puppet Show, whereby the latter is inspired by an episode from Don Quixote de la Mancha. This production can be seen at the Teatro de la Zarzuela from 24 January to 1 February, with performances from Wednesday to Sunday.
Goyescas was composed by Enrique Granados in 1911 and takes its name from the work of the painter, Francisco de Goya, who Granados greatly admired. It tells the story of a tragic love triangle set in 18th-century Madrid. Rosario, a young woman from high society, is in love with Captain Fernando, a brave and noble man. However, the relationship is threatened by the jealousy of the bullfighter Paquiro, who also wants to win over Rosario's heart.
During a popular festival, Paquiro provokes Fernando and they both fight for the honour and love of the young woman. Despite Rosario's attempts to prevent the duel, the fight takes place and Fernando is fatally wounded.
Master Peter's Puppet Show was designed by Manuel de Falla and premièred in 1923. It is a short opera set in an inn, where Master Peter, a travelling puppeteer, presents his puppet show to the audience. His young assistant introduces the story: the adventures of the brave Don Gaiferos, who sets out to rescue his wife Melisendra, who is being held prisoner by the Moors in Zaragoza.
Don Quixote is among the spectators and upon seeing the performance, he confuses fiction with reality. Convinced that Melisendra is really in danger, he draws his sword and destroys the puppet theatre in an attempt to “rescue” her from her supposed enemies.
When the puppeteer tries to explain that they were only puppets, Don Quixote defends his action as an act of justice. Finally, Master Peter regrets the destruction, while the knight remains convinced that he has acted honourably.
Artistic File:
- Musical Conductor - Álvaro Albiach
- Stage Director and Playwright - Francisco López
- Stage Design and Lighting - Francisco López
- Wardrobe - Jesús Ruiz
- Choreographer - Olga Pericet
- Audiovisual Production - José Carlos Nievas
- Orchestra - Community of Madrid Orchestra. Teatro de La Zarzuela Resident Orchestra
- Choir - Zarzuela Theatre Choir. Conductor - Antonio Fauró
Cast of Goyescas:
- Rosario - Raquel Lojendio (24, 28, 30 January and 1 February) /Mónica Conesa (25, 29 and 31 January)
- Fernando - Alejandro Roy (24, 29, 31 January and 1 February) / Enrique Ferrer (25, 28 and 30 January)
- Paquito - César San Martín
- Pepa - Mónica Redondo
Cast of Master Peter's Puppet Show:
- Don Quixote - Gerardo Bullón
- Master Peter - Pablo García-López
- Trujamán - Lidia Vinyes-Curtis
