Offenbach -La Périchole

Micaela Villegas was Lima's leading theatrical lady in the 1770's when Peru was a Spanish colony. Her life was fictionalized in a one-act play by Prosper Merimee and a libretto was fashioned on which Offenbach created his opera bouffe La Perichole, reflecting the creative mania in Paris at the time for Spanish life and art. La Perichole and Piquillo, her lover and companion in misfortune, are impoverished street singers. Meanwhile the Viceroy Don Andres de Ribeira wishes to make her his lover. In music of vivacious rhythms including boleros, seguidillas and rich arias, Offenbach plays out their love against a broader social canvas.

Directed by Valérie Lesort, Offenbach -La Périchole leans on a strong ensemble — Stéphanie d'Oustrac, Philippe Talbot, Tassis Christoyannis — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2022.