The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC), in partnership with Opera Southwest, will present an opera that explores the life of labor leader Dolores Huerta. The production, titled "Dolores," is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 26.
“This play goes to the core of our pride as New Mexicans and gente, Dolores is an icon for standing together with all people demanding dignity and access to justice,” said National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) Executive Director Zack Quintero. “This production also showcases New Mexicans at its center, as the writer, the inspiration, and director all hail from the Land of Enchantment. The NHCC has been and will continue to be a home for shared celebration of our cultura and history.”
Dolores Huerta was born in Dawson, New Mexico in 1930. She co-founded the United Farm Workers’ Union (UFW) alongside César Chávez. In the 1960s, Huerta played a significant role in organizing the Delano grape strike involving thousands of farmworkers and led negotiations for their labor contract. Her efforts brought attention to farmworkers’ struggles and helped shape a lasting movement. Huerta’s contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
Set during 1968—the third year of the Delano grape strike—the opera depicts California farmworkers uniting across racial and linguistic lines. It highlights political events such as Bobby Kennedy’s presidential campaign and Richard Nixon’s involvement during this period. The narrative focuses on Huerta’s role in organizing workers while balancing family responsibilities.
The music for "Dolores" is composed by Nicolás Lell Benavides, who is from New Mexico, with libretto by Marella Martin Koch. The score blends various musical styles including sacred chants, electric guitar riffs, and bossa nova rhythms.
The NHCC has longstanding connections to Dolores Huerta through hosting annual celebrations honoring her legacy alongside César Chávez each spring. The upcoming performances at NHCC mark its first time presenting "Dolores" outside California.
The opera will be staged at Albuquerque Journal Theatre on Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m.; Friday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, November 2 at 2:00 p.m. More information about tickets can be found at nhccnm.org/events.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is committed to preserving Hispanic culture through arts programming on its campus in Albuquerque. It operates as part of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
