Mexican Embassy outraged by new look at opera

Employees of the Mexican Embassy in Italy took on the role of opera critics, expressing their indignation at what they call the "cartoony" image of Mexico.

The embassy issued a statement criticizing the new version of Carmen, which opened at Baths of Caracalla Opera House. The ambassadors are surprised and indignant at the “rude and simplified” presentation of Mexico and its traditions. Even before the night opened, the embassy was alarmed, having received a notification that the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe would be projected at some point connected with the deity known as Santa Muerte, or Holy Death.

After that, the setting was changed. But this was not enough for diplomatic critics. After the opening, they decided that the country’s representation is still “cartoony” and “does not reflect the social context”, and the opera is based on stereotypes: “The embassy fully supports the freedom of creativity in all its expressions,” the statement said.

The Mexican Ambassador to Italy himself is an industrial engineer and a member of the local green party. He served as secretary of the environment for the president from 2012 to 2015.