Synopsis of Rio de Sangre
Synopsis of Río de Sangre
Newly-elected ruler Christian Delacruz addresses a crowd from the balcony of the presidential palace, speaking of freedom from slavery and oppression as he announces the overthrow of his predecessor, Fuentes. Delacruz' wife Antonia, and daughter Blanca revel in their new status as first family while cabinet members Marcos and Tomas speak of the nation's future. Delacruz' closest confidante Guajardo advises him in the ways of statesmanship.
The Bishop performs the rite of confirmation for Delacruz' son Miguel. Igneo, Delacruz' primary political advocate, uses the occasion to ask for Blanca's hand in marriage.
A meringue band plays as Delacruz and Guajardo enter a nightclub. Estella, who works at the club, engages in a discourse on the nation's future from the voice of the people. Guajardo offers his viewpoint.
Delacruz rushes into the cabinet meeting room to discuss the damage from the previous night's devastating earthquake with Cabinet members. It is revealed that Miguel was in a village with his cousins when the earthquake struck and is now unreachable.
Antonia conveys her concern for Miguel's wellbeing, as Delacruz tells her, to her dismay, that rescue efforts are reserved for the hardest hit areas.
Outside the prison, Guajardo is surprised to encounter Blanca emerging, explaining that she comes every week to bring food. Guajardo warns her of the dangers of travelling the streets alone.
Miguel, sick from cholera lies in a bedroom of the presidential palace. Guajardo warns Delacruz that Blanca has been used to pass information to prisoners, and that Igneo is in league with Fuentes. Delacruz dismisses his claims. The Bishop offers Delacruz his sympathy, then warns him of the worsening national situation.
Estella is with the drunken Delacruz in the nightclub. Guajardo is advocating an aggressive approach to dealing with the Fuentesistas; Delacruz is reticent.
Delacruz enters the cabinet hall as the Bishop is addressing the cabinet, warning of impending civil unrest. He is followed by a stirring speech from Igneo about traitors in their midst.
INTERMISSION
Delacruz stands at the palace balcony, speaking to no one, lamenting the cruel turn of events. Antonia joins him for a bitter reminiscence. They receive a phone call from one of the kidnappers. The kidnapper tells Delacruz to go to the nightclub for further instructions and he rushes off.
Delacruz is in the nightclub, drinking with Estella. Estella warns Delacruz that he has become like his enemies. Guajardo enters, informing Delacruz that Fuentes has been executed. Shots ring out, and Delacruz is spirited away.
There has been violence in the streets in the wake of the assassination attempt; Delacruz encounters the Bishop caring for the wounded. The Bishop warns him that his enemy is very close to him. Marcos enters proclaiming that the riot is growing near as soldiers spirit Delacruz away. A frenzied mob approaches the palace.
Guajardo is in the cabinet room subtly threatening any cabinet members who may be plotting against him. Delacruz enters in a rage, ordering Guajardo's arrest. The two men battle for the future of their country as the opera draws to a close.