Achilles on Skyros | Spring 2018
composed by Francisco Courcelle (1705-1778)
Achilles on Skyros is an exciting Baroque opera that brought the grand, Italian-influenced theatrical style of 18th-century Madrid to life. Originally composed to celebrate a royal wedding, this historic masterwork marked a massive turning point for the Spanish stage, representing the exact moment the royal court shifted away from traditional zarzuelas to embrace fully-sung European opera.
The story follows the young hero Achilles, whose mother hides him in a royal harem disguised as a woman to protect him from a prophecy of war. Audiences experience a delightful tale of romance and identity as Ulysses eventually tricks the legendary warrior into revealing his true self. The Orchestra of New Spain brought this forgotten manuscript back to the stage for its modern world premiere, showcasing the brilliant, expressive melodies of Francisco Courcelle—the mastermind often celebrated as the "Spanish Handel".
The Orchestra of New Spain performed Achile en Sciro on February 9th-10th, 2018, at Moody Performance Hall. This performance is in memoriam of Gustavo Tambascio(1949-2018). Jaime Puente, choreographer and stage director.
Click to watch Acts I and II from our fully staged production of Achilles on Skyros!
The Story
Act I: Hidden Passions and Imminent Intrusion
The narrative opens amid the vibrant, sacred rituals of Bacchus on the island of Skyros, where the young warrior Achilles lives hidden in plain sight. Disguised as a maiden named Pyrrha to escape a dire prophecy of his death at Troy, Achilles navigates a labyrinth of secrecy alongside his lover, Princess Deidamia. The delicate peace of their hidden romance is thrown into chaos when a fleet of Greek warships anchors offshore, their military trumpets signaling the arrival of the cunning Ulysses, who has come to recruit Achilles for war. While Deidamia recoils in terror at the threat of battle, Achilles finds his innate martial instincts dangerously ignited by the sound of arms. Compounding the stakes, King Lycomedes introduces Prince Theagenes—Deidamia’s official betrothed—who unwittingly falls in love with "Pyrrha," igniting Achilles' fierce jealousy. The act closes in mounting suspense as Ulysses sets foot in the court, instantly suspecting that the fiery "maiden" before him is the missing hero in disguise.
Act II: The Hero’s Torment and the Trap
The conflict shifts from romantic entanglement to a psychological battle of wits between duty and desire. Ulysses relentlessly goads the disguised hero, delivering grand speeches praising martial glory and the heroic exploits of Achilles' father, Peleus, driving Achilles to the brink of bursting out of his feminine guise. Adding fuel to the fire, King Lycomedes naïvely asks "Pyrrha" to persuade Deidamia to accept Prince Theagenes in marriage, forcing Achilles to restrain his soaring rage while his anxious tutor, Nearco, desperately tries to keep the secret intact. Deeply torn between his burning thirst for eternal honor and his intense devotion to Deidamia, Achilles confesses that he can no longer endure the humiliation of his disguise. The act closes in high anticipation as Ulysses constructs a master stroke: a deceptive presentation of gifts where fine fabrics hide a sword and shield, waiting to trigger the young warrior's true identity.
Act III: The Hero Revealed and the Ultimate Dilemma
The narrative reaches its dramatic peak as Ulysses’ clever trap is sprung, forever shattering the illusion on Skyros. As simulated battle cries and sounding trumpets echo through the palace, "Pyrrha" instinctively bypasses the fine fabrics to seize the sword and shield—instantly exposing the formidable warrior Achilles to the entire court. While Ulysses exults in his victory and demands the hero fulfill his destiny at Troy, a devastated Deidamia faces the agony of losing her lover to a war that promises his death. King Lycomedes, stunned by the secret that has unfolded under his own roof, must suddenly navigate the total upheaval of his court's alliances. Torn between the irresistible call of eternal glory and his profound devotion to Deidamia, Achilles is pushed to an agonizing crossroads where love and duty collide.