Aztec Circular Production: A Musical Opera Based on Aztec Culture
For the first time in history, the timeless tale of Popo and Izta, often compared to the legendary pairings of Romeo and Juliet or Tristan and Isolde, is set to be performed as an opera. The groundbreaking production, El Circo Anahuac, will make its return to the stage at Schoenberg Hall on May 1, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Written by Maria Elena Yepes, the libretto of El Circo Anahuac blends English, Spanish, and Nahuatl, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of its characters. The opera, which premiered in 2018, has been revised since then, allowing composer David Reyes to experiment with new musical approaches, treating voice as a physical instrument.
The original production, forty minutes long and created for a seven-piece orchestra, three singers, and four dancers, has been expanded and refined. The new version of the opera's score enables Reyes to elongate the vocal parts and add ornamentation in the vocalizing.
The all-Latinx cast of singers and dancers, dressed in elaborate costumes decked in fluorescent paint, perform under blacklight in this visually stunning production. The addition of a new character, the king, further enhances the epic narrative of the opera.
Steve Loza, who had previously supported the opera through the UCLA Center for Latino Arts, was asked to direct the opera in 2019. His involvement led to plans for expansion, aided by a surprise phone call. El Circo Anahuac received a strong critical review in the Los Angeles Times and played four, sold-out shows in downtown LA.
In 2019, the opera was performed to a capacity crowd at A Noise Within in Pasadena, with some spectators being turned away. Maria Elena Yepes and her team were contacted by A Noise Within for an artistic residency to bring El Circo Anahuac to their theater.
However, performances of the opera were cancelled due to the pandemic, but Steve Loza is excited to bring it back starting with Schoenberg Hall. Plans for the 2020 season of El Circo Anahuac included larger halls and an expanded geographic reach, but these were unfortunately halted by the pandemic.
For those interested in attending upcoming performances of El Circo Anahuac, it is recommended to check with local opera houses or cultural centers for the most current information. The opera's creators are working hard to bring this unique and captivating production to audiences once again."
Music will bring a new dimension to the powerful narrative of El Circo Anahuac, as composer David Reyes experiments with extended vocal parts and added ornamentation in the vocalizing, treating voice as a physical instrument. Against the backdrop of elaborate costumes and visually stunning performances, this opera promises an unforgettable entertainment experience.
