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."
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‘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."

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)

Peabody Southwell as Maria and Mark Bringelson as her torturer.

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

Peabody Southwell (Maria) and Gregorio Gonzalez (younger Payador).

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

Peabody Southwell (Maria and Gregorio Gonzalez (younger Payador).

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

Gregorio Gonzalez (younger Payador), left, and Gregorio Luke (elder Payador).

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

Gregorio Gonzalez (younger Payador), left, and Gregorio Luke (elder Payador) with a video projection of Peabody Southwell (Maria).

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

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