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The Penitentes
(1967)
Opera in three acts; libretto by Anne Howard BaileyPremiere
August 3, 1974; Aspen, CO
Original Cast
Elena Leona Gordon Felipe David Britton Dolores Kathryn Carter John Wayne Turnage Kresimir Sipusch, conductor
Thomas Pasatieri, director
Eric Levenson, set and costume designerSynopsis
The Penitentes are a sect of Mexican-Americans living in the mountains of southern Colorado and New Mexico. Their rites of self-flagellation reach a climax on Good Friday, when one of their young members was chosen to reenact the crucifixion of Christ.
Three North Americans-the governor and his mistress, Elena, and a journalist, John-come to observe the Penitente's procession and gradually become enmeshed in the fanatical ritual. Elena seduces Felipe, the young Christo chosen to reenact the crucifixion. The ceremony is conducted with "Jesus" (Felipe) under a hood. John, in an attempt to redeem what he views as his worthless life, takes the boy's place and dies on the cross. When Felipe discovers this, he hangs himself on the same cross.
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Updated 12/04/2009
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