Caravana de mujeres
libretto by Laura Barati
music by Nicolás Lell Benavides
Inspired by a real Spanish matchmaking service that uses day trips to the countryside to help Latina immigrants meet rural Spanish farmers at speed dating events, Caravana de mujeres follows Luz, a Colombian immigrant in her sixties, as she searches for love and companionship. Already on a bus to the country, Luz is horrified to learn that her niece, Natalia, has not only booked a trip to the wrong town, but to a place she’s avoided for six years: her ex-fiancé’s hometown. Natalia is shocked to learn that Luz was engaged to farmer Juan Antonio until his 83-year-old mother disapproved of his engagement to an immigrant. Juan Antonio is at that night’s event, hoping to see Luz. As Luz faces the farmer that got away, Natalia is forced to confront her prejudices about her aunt’s aspirations for romantic connection. Caravana de mujeres is an earnest comedy that explores the very human desire for love and companionship while also diving into the fascinating larger social dynamic between Latinx immigrants and native Spaniards.
Development and Recognition
Caravana de mujeres is currently in development through MassOpera and OperaHub’s New Opera Workshop. Caravana de mujeres was featured at Opera America’s 2023 New Works Forum in New York City.
Amanda Batista performs “I May Be Too Much” from Caravana de mujeres at Opera America’s New Works Forum, January 2023.