Ainadamar

A Recipe for Tragedy

PLEASE NOTE: This production will feature prop guns and simulated noises of gunfire.

Step into the mesmerizing world of Golijov’s Ainadamar, a gripping and evocative opera that transports you through time and space. Set against the backdrop of 20th-century Spain, this musical masterpiece delves deep into the tumultuous life of acclaimed queer playwright Federico García Lorca and his muse, Margarita Xirgu. The opera’s intensity swells with passion as it intertwines history, fantasy, and the relentless pursuit of artistic freedom. With lush orchestrations, haunting melodies, and soaring vocals, Ainadamar engulfs the senses, painting a vivid tableau of love, sacrifice, and the power of art to transcend the darkest of times. From the haunting echoes of Lorca’s poetry to the turbulent echoes of a nation in upheaval, this gripping tale takes the audience on an emotional journey, leaving them breathless and spellbound, forever changed by its timeless beauty.

As the music rises and falls, Ainadamar pulsates with a sense of urgency, inviting you to explore the blurred lines between reality and memory. Golijov’s exquisite composition weaves together traditional Spanish folk elements, rich operatic textures, and contemporary flamenco sounds, creating a sonic tapestry that captivates the imagination. The stage becomes a canvas for a visual spectacle, immersing the audience in vibrant colors, dynamic choreography, and powerful storytelling. With each scene, Ainadamar unveils a new layer of mystery and intrigue, revealing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. It is an immersive and electrifying experience that resonates long after the final notes are cleared from your plate, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.

“Ainadamar (Spanish pronunciation of the Arabic name ‘Ayn al-Dam’, meaning ‘The Fountain of Tears’), is the work of Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov, and a reflection on the death of the great Spanish poet, Garcia Lorca. Lorca was assassinated by Nationalist forces (Falange) in August 1936, his body was never recovered. He was 38. The opera is told through the memories of Lorca’s great Catalan actress/muse Margarita Xirgu. The score is a gorgeous display of Spanish colours and idioms (including flamenco). Ainadamar has been seen in many productions world-wide; the one you will see began in San Francisco, and was recently produced at l’Opéra de Montréal. I am delighted to recommend it wholeheartedly to Victoria’s opera lovers.”

– Timothy Vernon, Founding Artistic Director

More of Ainadamar

Federico García Lorca, one of the most celebrated Spanish poets of the 20th century, crafted verses that intricately weaved together themes of love, passion, and the poignant beauty of his Andalusian heritage. Through his vivid imagery and lyrical language, Lorca captured the essence of Andalusia’s rich tapestry, evoking the scent of orange blossoms, the rhythm of flamenco, and the warmth of the sun-soaked olive groves.