San Cha’s Latest Opera “Inebria me” Redefines Telenovela Archetypes
For L.A.-based musician, composer, and artist San Cha, the Spanish language is a creative gold mine. Her latest work, “Inebria me,” is a 90-minute experimental opera that expands on her critically acclaimed 2019 ranchera fusion album, “La Luz de la Esperanza.” San Cha stars as Dolores, a humble bride to the much wealthier Salvador, whose jealousy turns deadly; enter Esperanza, a genderless spirit of empowerment, who helps light Dolores’ path to freedom.
Having gone from singing rancheras in the restaurants of Mexico City to experimenting in underground drag scenes in the Bay Area, San Cha has developed a knack for synthesizing disparate influences that result in visually arresting and thought-provoking work. Born Lizette Gutierrez in San Jose to Mexican immigrant parents, San Cha grew up offsetting her intense Bible study by binging on telenovelas after school.
San Cha performs with Darian Donovan Thomas on Sept. 5 at the Winningstad Theatre in Portland, Ore.
(Jingzi Zhao)
Blending Telenovela and Opera
The opera is the latest of San Cha’s collaborative efforts, featuring a diverse cast, including Darian Donovan Thomas, Stefa Marin Alarcon, Lu Coy, Kyle Kidd, Carolina Oliveros, and Phong Tran. When asked about the idea to adapt “La Luz de la Esperanza” into an opera, San Cha explained that it came to her in 2023 or 2024 when she partnered with the National Performance Network for a grant.
San Cha’s work often explores themes of sin and guilt, which are common in telenovelas. She believes that these themes hold power over us because they are used to control and shame individuals. In “Inebria me,” the characters each have a confession, highlighting the importance of relieving oneself of shame and guilt. However, San Cha also notes that this process can be problematic, as it can create a cycle of shame and guilt that prevents growth and freedom.
