Powder her face

Based on a shocking incident that happened in England in the 1960s, at the centre of which was the Duchess of Argyll, one of the main representatives of the beautiful crowd of that time, whose divorce hearing, in proceedings brought by the Duke as a result of the Duchess’ infidelities, was permanent news in the British tabloids.

The British tabloid press, purring with delight, made the most salacious details of the promiscuous sex life of the woman known as “the Dirty Duchess” public.

The opera is explicit in its language and images.

Thomas Adès (London 1971), is one of the most outstanding English composers. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the prestigious Grawemeyer Award (2000), making him the youngest ever person to win the award.

The first opera by Adès was Powder Her Face (commissioned by the Almeida Opera for the Cheltenham Festival in 1995). It has been performed all over the world, this being the first time that it will be performed in Spain.

Carlos Wagner, stage manager of this production, marvellously narrates the pitiful social scandal of this woman who is tormented by loneliness, revealing a level of tragic dignity and a certain compassion for the protagonist.

Olga Zhuravel sings the part of the Duchess, along with Alan Ewing, Alexander Sprague and Heather Buck, each playing numerous roles. Directed musically by Diego Martín Etxebarria and accompanied by an orchestra made up of 15 musicians, with clarinets, saxophones, brass instruments, stringed instruments, accordion, harp and more.

The opera is explicit in its language and images.