In a narrative interpretation of Sor Juana Indez de la Cruz’s life, The Nun and The Countess is a play written by Odalys Nanin, who also stars in the lead role.

The Nun and The Countess is based on the novel Sor Juana’s Second Dream by Alicia Gaspar de Alba. The play is co-directed by Corky Dominguez.

This is the story of the passionate romance between Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz, a 17th-century Mexican nun, and the Countess Maria Luisa de Paredes, vicereine of Mexico. The legendary nun Sor Juana wowed the Countess (played by Genevieve Joy and alternate Lee Ann Gutierrez) with poems that still live today.

Sor Juana is considered the most prolific poet of the golden age and the first feminist of the new world. She was named the tenth muse (the Sappho of the Americas). She was a musician, playwright, and a lesbian trapped in a nun’s habit. The poems to Lysi (Countess de Parades) are woven into the dialogue of the play offering the audience a window into their intimate relationship in the confined world in which they lived. These are soul mates who are in a predicament where society’s rules forbid the consummation of their love.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Odalys Nanin Talks Return to Stage Theater with The Nun and The Countess [Exclusive Interview]

Other stage actors included Graciela Valderrama as the Mother Superior, Armando Rey as the Bishop of Puebla, Delfin Toro as Father Miranda, Paul Cascante as the Archbishop, Vanessa Diego as Concepcion, Nakasha Norwood as Francisca, and Chelsea Delfin as Francisca. The set design is by Marco de Leon. The light design is by Sammie Wayne. And the sound design is by Scott Nikoley.

The Nun and The Countess has a limited run continuing through November 7 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and on Sunday at 5 p.m.

Tickets for advanced admission are $30 or regular price at the door for $40. More ticketing information at www.machatheatre.org.

Watch the red carpet interviews below.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive