Kindred spirits

As their second opera takes to the stage, composer Gregory Spears and librettist Tracy K Smith talk to Charlotte Smith about their special partnership

- 

As the sun sets over the distant mountain range, a woman sings of her belief in the power of God to save and heal. The woman is Sheila, a parishioner in the American Southwest. The year is 1986. Sheila has encountered abuse and betrayal in her life, but her song has a transcendental beauty - matched by the purity of her voice. This idealistic outpouring is witnessed by David, preacher and head of Sheila's church. He is moved by the strength and simplicity of Sheila's faith. And even though both are married, they kiss - the beginning of an adulterous affair that nonetheless has at its heart a desire to be uplifted by faith.

This is The Righteous, a new opera by composer Gregory Spears and librettist Tracy K Smith, staged in 2024 at the Santa Fe Opera, New Mexico - the company's 19th world premiere since its foundation in 1957. Set over a period of 11 years, from 1979-90, director Kevin Newbury's bold and ambitious production tackles big themes of religion, politics, love and betrayal. But at its heart is a far more intimate account of the inner lives of its characters - David (Michael Mayes), the preacher whose flawed faith gives way to political ambition and adultery; his best friend Jonathan (Anthony Roth Costanzo), who channels his secret love for David into fighting for the AIDS cause; David's first wife Michele (Jennifer Johnson Cano), whose life is shattered by David's betrayal; and Sheila (Elena Villalón), David's second wife, who must choose between her love for David and her desire to be true to God's teachings.