If you’ve ever wanted to experience L.A.’s most glamorous night out, you’re in luck. LA Opera is proud to present El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, hailed as both “magically spooky” and “visually seductive” by The New Yorker.
They’ve inspired generations, but artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were once just as likely to make headlines for their stormy romance as they were for their work. It was precisely that love-hate saga that inspired Grammy-nominated composer Gabriela Lena Frank and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz to create a new chapter in operatic form. Rather than revisiting a biography, they wanted to explore what could have been. The result? A gorgeous, sprawling portrait of Mexico’s most iconic artists in the underworld and our world.
When a desperate plea on Día de Muertos reunites Diego Rivera with his late wife Frida Kahlo, he jumps at the chance to find forgiveness. But Frida isn’t in a forgiving mood. She remembers all too well the pain that life — and Diego — put her through. Refusing to cross over to the land of the living, it takes a chance meeting with another departed soul to inspire her to look back at the art (and the man) she once loved.
“We needed to do something that was different. Why tell the story of Frida again?” Gabriela Lena Frank muses. “[The opera is] not just about Frida, first of all. It's really about her relationships.” With Diego, with death, and most crucially, with her own legacy.
This L.A. premiere comes to life with a brilliant cast and crew from across the Americas. Argentine soprano Daniela Mack reprises her role as Frida opposite Mexican baritone Alfredo Daza as the ailing Diego Rivera. Puerto Rican soprano and Grammy winner Ana María Martinez is La Catrina, keeper of the souls in Mictlan. Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados commands the LA Opera Orchestra, aided by an all-Mexican creative team, including veteran director Lorena Maza.
There are only six chances to experience El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego from Nov. 18 to Dec. 9, with tickets starting at just $16 for weeknight performances. Be part of a historic opening night, or join the party with Celebración de las Artes following the matinee performance on Dec. 3, featuring music, food and fun on The Music Center Plaza.
Whether you’re a regular at LA Opera or a visit is still on your to-do list, escape the ordinary when you join us at El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego.
