A pike bark echoes as a rehearsal unfolds in a strange land. A musical about a fateful encounter in 1936 between a Valencia-born police officer named Lorca and the renowned composer Rafael de León, an encounter that never occurred. The piece imagines a moment where Granada-born author loses his impending death to the power of memory and song. This work will be shown at the Auditorium on June 3 and 4, weaving together the famous couplets that mark a rich musical record, tracing a route From Piquer to Navarro and hinting at an upcoming tour.
What if the meeting of these three great figures had actually taken place?
It is not a major spoiler to imagine the course of events, including the fate of Lorca. The narrative allows a reconciliation and a reimagining of history through the voice of Doña Concha, yet the work preserves the likely outcome as history unfolds. Mallorca audiences will be treated to intimate stories about Lorca, a figure well known for decades. The play also sheds light on Rafael de León and Concha Piquer, offering clear explanations of who they were, where they came from, and the elements that surprised the writer during preparation. Doña Concha, a pioneer who performed in America from a young age, embarked on a remarkable journey that marked her as one of the early feminist businesswomen in the country.
Contemporary artists achieving success in the United States are acknowledged, yet the impact of this woman should not be underestimated.
At only 14 she reached Broadway, invited by maestro Penella. The Schubert brothers listened and helped shape the discipline imported from America. She returned to Spain at 19, connecting with Rafael de León, who then crafted timeless songs that continue to resonate today.
The question arises if Lorca had written a song and Rafael de León had composed it would a jewel exist?
It is a jewel, a poetic license the production grants itself. A surprise of the project is a song created by Julio Awad and the performer to pair Lorca’s words with new music. Lorca never composed a couplet, and this collaboration brings that idea to life for the show.
Rafael de León wrote numerous beautiful couplets whose full legacy is still being discovered.
He was a kind, highly intelligent and humorous person who navigated censorship by crafting lyrics that remained faithful to their original spirit. The work highlights this lesser-known facet, adding a powerful dimension to the portrayal.
What is it like to sing the classic couplets Tatuaje and Ojos Verdes on stage?
It is a privilege for the actor portraying Concha Piquer, not Diana Navarro. The performer builds the character from a personal sense of Concha, singing the pieces as if she were the singer. The couplets are timeless jewels that offer a genuine thrill when performed, carrying a depth that resonates with audiences anew.
Could one of these songs be kept as a favorite?
The feelings this music evokes are strong and persistent. Green Eyes and the romance of the other pieces sweep over the performer every night, inviting a personal connection with each show.
Politics, ideologies, baton and Francoism
The work stands as a hymn to the reconciliation of two Spains during a tense, difficult era.
The production leans toward a conciliatory and strong message from the director and writer, Juan Carlos Rubio: look into one another’s eyes and set aside ideological divisions. Viewers are encouraged to consider how people vote and how they can still prioritize the person over ideology.
What about the current election year?
The theme remains timely. People often become nervous about ideologies, yet the focus remains on human connection. The work emphasizes reconciliation and the value of dialogue.
It also acknowledges the couplet’s complicated history with censorship under Franco, a reminder of a country’s memory and resilience. Copla carries no political flavor; it simply embodies the cultural soundtrack of a nation, preserved by generations and celebrated in the present moment.
Do you think new generations will understand the importance of traveling beyond Piquer’s legacy?
They will, and they are likely to explore the characters further, seeking to learn more about their stories and their influence on the arts that followed.