Pedro Gramegna Ardiles

Tragicomedia del Ande

by Tryo Teatro Banda

2019 | GAM – Santiago, Chile

Greed, Betrayal, and Violence in the Capture of the Last Inca Emperor

A musical theater production by Tryo Teatro Banda, co-produced with FITAM and GAM, brings to life the dramatic story of the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa.

After being captured by Francisco Pizarro, Atahualpa offered to fill the room where he was imprisoned with gold in exchange for his freedom. Yet, despite the ransom being paid, he was tried and executed, unleashing a tragic conflict that ensnared Pizarro and Diego de Almagro, partners in the conquest of Peru. Tragicomedia del Ande, the latest production from Tryo Teatro Banda, tells this epic tale of friendship, greed, betrayal, and violence.

Blending theater, history, minstrel storytelling, and live music, the play follows the conquests of Pizarro and Almagro and reflects on Chile’s role in the events. “Atahualpa’s capture—going from defeating his brother to becoming a captive of the Spanish—is almost unbelievable. And his death remains one of history’s most shocking betrayals,” says Francisco Sánchez, who plays Pizarro. Meanwhile, María Izquierdo portrays an androgynous Atahualpa.

“The staging draws inspiration from operatic elements, with a much stronger musical presence and new features for the company, such as a chorus and tragic elements,” explains director Sebastián Vila. At GAM, the play will be performed alongside Ensamble MusicActual as part of the set design.