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Based on the true story of Migel Joakin Eleizegi Arteaga (1818-1861), the children’s opera Altzo the Giant comes to Mexico to the delight of children and adults alike.  This work deals with issues like loneliness, tolerance, love of nature, and nobility of spirit.  With music by David Azurza, texts by Koldo Izagirre, and puppets designed by Nestor Basterretxea, the staging work is done by the Mexican company Figurat S.C. 

Mexico City, Mexico.   The children’s opera, Altzo the Giant will debut in Mexico City on July 2nd.  The production is supported by Donostia 2016, the TOPIC Museum in Tolosa (Gipuzkoa) and the Mexican Company Figurat S. C.

The work has two versions: one in Basque that debuted internationally, in 2015, at the International Marionette Festival in Charleville, France; and the second, a Mexican one, that will be presented at the National Center of the Arts in Mexico City with Mexican artists.  This last one will tour Mexico and various Latin American countries.

A True Story

Designed for children, this work tells the story of the real-life Migel Joakin Eleizegi, known as Altzo the Giant, who suffered from gigantism,  and who was  2, 47 meters tall (8 feet 1 inch).  He was very popular in his time and was exhibited all over Europe, being received by Queen Isabel II in Spain, Luis Felipe I of France, and Queen Victoria in England.

The work, told by puppets, recreates the feelings of this giant that “felt uncomfortable and out of place in a world made to order for ordinary people.”  With texts by writer and poet Koldo Izagirre, and music by David Azurza, this children’s opera talks about things like loneliness, respecting others’ differences, non-exploitation, love of nature, innocence, nobility and kindness of spirit.

The show will debut on July 2 at the Theater of the Arts and can be seen on Saturday and Sunday at two different sessions at noon and 2pm.  Admission is $80 for adults and $40 for children.  Staging is directed by Emmanuel Marquez.