music by Suzanne Farrin
libretto by Sergio Chejfec

Macabéa is an opera by Suzanne Farrin on a novel by Clarice Lispector. It is an electro-sonic operatic experience with film and music that examines the cultural, psychological, and spiritual manifestations of poverty and power. Sergio Chejfec’s adaptation propels the novel to the stage by moving Lispector’s plastic narrative voice into a conspiracy to murder.

Please join us for a concert premiere at Miller Theatre on October 29, 2026.

SPECS

Cast

Macabéa: lyric soprano

Carlota: contralto

Aparecida: soprano

Gloria: soprano

Rodrigo: baritone

Raimundo: baritone bass

The Stranger: spoken

Chorus: The Three Marias

7 Soloists, 1 Actor, Chorus + Chamber Ensemble (11 instruments)

The opera is sung in Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian, with a spoken part in English (or dominant language of the venue location)

Duration: 90 Minutes

Several performance options available

  1. Full Cast + Chamber Ensemble (11)

  2. Reduced Cast (5 soloists), 1 actor, 1 chorister + Chamber Ensemble (11)

  3. Full Cast + Orchestra