Opera returns to Antequera after 25 years: Bellini's score, 'Bridgerton'-style costumes, and a unique setting in the bullring

Combining opera and Antequera in the same headline hadn't been seen or heard for a quarter of a century. The wait is finally over as next Friday, July 18, bel canto returns to the city with one of Vincenzo Bellini's essential works, 'La sonámbula', which will be performed in a unique venue: the local bullring. A monumental space for a classic, featuring an international cast led by Greek-Scottish soprano Annie Fassea and Dutch-American tenor Gabe Clarke, proudly carrying the label of "rural production" since it was initiated by the non-profit cultural center Ras de Terra to bring opera to the inner parts of Spain that usually lack such cultural offerings. This is the case for the capital of the Vega, although with a significant difference as the Antequera arena not only provides an unprecedented setting but also doubles the usual capacity of this show to nearly 2,900 spectators.

"The singers are fascinated and excited about performing in the bullring as it is a special venue where none of them have sung before, and it reminds them of unique auditoriums like the Arena of Verona," explains Juan Urquiola, businessman and co-promoter of Ras de Terra, who adds that for the audience it will also be an unforgettable experience with the arena illuminated at night and hosting this passionate love story by Bellini, which the Teatro Real itself adapted a couple of years ago. "This opera and the special setting form a winning concept," concludes the promoter of this show, which stages a 'semi-seria' work, a distinctive genre that emerged in the 19th century by combining comic and dramatic scenes in the same score.

Thus, this love story and melodrama feature Amina and Elvino, two young people about to get married, who face the schemes of Lisa, the groom's former partner, who will do everything possible to disrupt the wedding. To this is added the somnambulism mentioned in the title of the piece and suffered by the protagonist, embodied by soprano Annie Fassea, one of the emerging talents of contemporary opera who will debut this year on the stage of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in London. "She is a 'Callas', an artist thin and all delicacy that surprises when she sings because you wonder how that voice can come from that body," points out Ras de Terra's other half, Mónica Sánchez-Robles, noting that the protagonist seems taken out of Netflix's most famous period series.

"The setting is the same as the 'Bridgerton' series or Jane Austen's novels," states the promoter about the wardrobe and era of this semi-seria opera, which will also premiere lighting and scenery for the Antequera performance. "We don't want to reveal the surprises, but we can advance that the stage makes use of the stands of the arena because having that backdrop we wanted to include this unique architecture in the staging," explains Sánchez-Robles, who has had the support and collaboration of the City Council for this return of opera to Antequera and its arena after the versions of 'Carmen' and 'Don Juan' that Salvador Távora represented here a quarter of a century ago.

More than eighty people are involved in this staging which, along with the protagonists, also features the musical direction of Juan Pablo Valencia-Heredia and the scenic direction of William Costabile Cisco, the Ras de Terra Orchestra -formed by teachers from the Orchestra of Extremadura- in the ring and the Chamber Choir of Extremadura on stage, as well as professionals from Antequera, such as makeup artists, technicians, and production staff. "We always count on the local industry because that is the philosophy of the project. We do everything, from designing the scenery to setting up the seating capacity and selling the tickets," explain the promoters of this show that, for once, tries to turn its gaze inward rather than towards the Coast.

"We not only try to bring bel canto to the city and to the towns throughout the region that normally do not have access to this type of programming, but also to convince those enthusiasts who are in the province or on vacation that it is worth coming to Antequera to enjoy a grand opera," explain the heads of Ras de Terra, who also promote artistic residencies and other activities always focused on the development of the rural area.

With tickets ranging from 30 to 75 euros -available on the website-, 'La sonámbula' arrives in Antequera through the initiative and vision of businesswoman Mari Carmen López, owner of Perfumería Hebe, a personal friend of Sánchez-Robles, familiar with the activities of Ras de Terra and who supports the show by selling paper tickets in her popular shop. "One day she called us to get in touch with the municipality, we took an Ave and here we are, about to premiere," explains the promoter who does not doubt the success of the event and even a longer-term project. "Antequera is in a strategic location in Andalusia, so this could be the rehearsal for a future festival with more shows," adds Juan Urquiola, who not only shares this adventure but also his partner's enthusiasm.