9 Images

‘Maria de Buenos Aires’

Peabody Southwell, as the title character, is swept away during the dress rehearsal. The Long Beach Opera resets the tale in 1976-83 during Argentina’s “Dirty War.” (Lawrence K. Ho /Los Angeles Times)

‘Maria de Buenos Aires’

Peabody Southwell as Maria and Mark Bringelson as her torturer. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

‘Maria de Buenos Aires’

Peabody Southwell (Maria) and Gregorio Gonzalez (younger Payador). (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

‘Maria de Buenos Aires’

Peabody Southwell (Maria and Gregorio Gonzalez (younger Payador). (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

‘Maria de Buenos Aires’

Gregorio Gonzalez (younger Payador), left, and Gregorio Luke (elder Payador). (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

‘Maria de Buenos Aires’

Gregorio Gonzalez (younger Payador), left, and Gregorio Luke (elder Payador) with a video projection of Peabody Southwell (Maria). (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)