Destination Santa Fe Opera · The Santa Fe Opera

The Pearl Fishers - Strong Women's Roles in Opera with director Shawna Lucey & soprano Corinne Winters

·27 min·2 clips

Discover how the chorus in The Pearl Fishers reveals the faltering leadership of Leila and Zurga.

This episode of Destination Santa Fe Opera explores the themes and production of Bizet's "The Pearl Fishers," focusing on its strong female roles. Hosts include a narrator with a long personal history with the Santa Fe Opera, stage director Shauna Lucy, and soprano Corinne Winters. Shauna Lucy revived the company's 2012 production, while Corinne Winters returned to make her role debut as the heroine, Leila. The discussion centers on leadership, community, and internal conflict as portrayed through the characters of Leila and Zurga. Shauna Lucy explains that the chorus's deep commitment highlights these leaders' roles and their moments of faltering. The narrative examines what happens when leaders break a covenant or choose personal gain over their community. Corinne Winters brings the perspective of performing Leila, a character who embodies strength and complexity. Shauna Lucy has attended the Santa Fe Opera since age nine and made her company debut in 1999. She notes the opera's longstanding support for her career and for countless women in the field. The episode references the 2012 production's revival and Shauna's previous work directing "The Italian Girl in Algiers" at Santa Fe. Corinne Winters initially debuted at Santa Fe Opera in the 2012 premiere of a different work. A key insight is that the opera facilitates a complicated discussion about our own lives through its portrayal of flawed leadership. The chorus is framed not just as background but as a crucial element that magnifies the central characters' moral dilemmas. The personal journeys of the guests, from audience members to key artists, illustrate the company's role in nurturing talent. The episode positions "The Pearl Fishers" as more than a love triangle, focusing on its communal and ethical dimensions. The tone is reflective and conversational, blending personal anecdote with artistic analysis. The style is educational, offering a behind-the-scenes look at theatrical interpretation and character development. Opera enthusiasts interested in production concepts and feminist readings of classic works would love this episode. Listeners seeking a purely historical or musicological breakdown of the score might find it less focused on those elements.

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