Libreto de la ópera Cerro Rico & Libretto for the opera Cerro Rico

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To fully grasp the libretto, one must understand the dire social conditions in the mining area around Cerro Rico, near Potosi, Bolivia, as well as the enduring myth of the Tio, the “Lord of the Mines.” The opera opens with miners dragging the bodies of two coworkers from the mine, lamenting the horrific working conditions they face underground. They recount the cruel demands of Tio, who requires tributes of coca leaves, alcohol, and cigars upon their entry. Failure to comply can lead to dire consequences, including death. One of Tio's strictest rules forbids women and priests from entering the mines, as their presence is believed to cause the disappearance of silver ore. Among the miners, Yupanqui suffers from silicosis, a deadly lung disease, despite his youth. His wife, Loma-Tika, scavenges above ground for silver ore in waste piles. With no sons to assist in the labor and no job alternatives, they disguise their daughter, Chaska, as a male worker to help in the mine, defying Tio’s command. This decision sets the stage for inevitable drama, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices of the miners in their desperate fight for survival.