On May 30, the Metropolitan Opera’s 2025–26 Live in HD season comes to a close with a live transmission of American composer Gabriela Lena Frank’s first opera – El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego (The Last Dream of Frida and Diego).  A magical-realist portrait of Mexico’s painterly power couple, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. It has a libretto by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Fashioned as a reversal of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, the story depicts Frida, sung by leading mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, leaving the underworld on the Day of the Dead and reuniting with Diego, portrayed by baritone Carlos Álvarez.
During the celebration of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), surrounded by candles and the fragrance of marigolds, the great muralist Diego Rivera longs to see his deceased wife Frida Kahlo once more. Catrina, the keeper of the souls, approaches Frida in the afterlife. She explains that Diego desperately needs his beloved wife as the end of his life approaches. The famously feuding pair briefly relive their tumultuous love. They embrace both the passion and the pain before bidding the land of the living a final farewell.
Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the Met-premiere staging of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego. It is a “confident, richly imagined score” (The New Yorker) that “bursts with color and fresh individuality” (Los Angeles Times). The vibrant new production, taking enthusiastic inspiration from Frida and Diego’s paintings, is directed and choreographed by Deborah Colker.

Description

Brewery Arts Centre stands as a significant cultural anchor in Kendal, a thriving arts organisation with a legacy spanning over fifty years. It functions as a dynamic hub for the North West, consistently delivering an inspiring programme of events and creative learning opportunities.

Within its historic walls, the atmosphere is one of understated sophistication. The blend of original brewery brickwork with contemporary design elements creates an inviting environment, where the subtle scent of old stone and polished wood lingers. Performance spaces are designed to offer clear sightlines and a warm, detailed sound, ensuring an intimate connection between audience and artistry.

Beyond the main performance areas, the centre encompasses tranquil gardens, two modern cinemas, a digital lounge, and a well-appointed bar and restaurant. Accessibility is a considered aspect, with facilities such as wheelchair spaces and induction loops available in its cinema screens. The bar and restaurant provide a relaxed setting for coffee, drinks, and meals, extending the visitor experience beyond scheduled events.

The programming here is broad, encompassing theatre, live music, comedy, film screenings, and exhibitions. It also hosts a range of lectures, dance performances, and creative learning courses for all ages. The centre is also a recognised venue for major festivals, contributing to the region's cultural calendar.