Elayce Ismail Directs Henze's 'El Cimarron' at Aix-en-Provence Festival
British director Elayce Ismail is staging Hans Werner Henze's opera 'El Cimarron' at the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence. The work is based on the life of Esteban Montejo, a former Cuban slave. Ismail aims to portray Montejo as a powerful, astute, cynical, humorous, and wise man. The production premiered on July 16, 2026.
Key facts
- Elayce Ismail is a British stage director.
- She is directing 'El Cimarron' by Hans Werner Henze.
- The opera is about Esteban Montejo, a former Cuban slave.
- The production is part of the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence.
- Ismail wants Montejo to be seen as powerful, astute, cynical, humorous, and wise.
- The premiere took place on July 16, 2026.
- The source is Le Monde.
- The opera was originally composed by Hans Werner Henze.
Entities
Artists
- Elayce Ismail
- Hans Werner Henze
- Esteban Montejo
Institutions
- Festival d'Aix-en-Provence
- Le Monde
Locations
- Aix-en-Provence
- France
- Cuba