The Exterminating Angel

Prologue

This opera begins before the orchestra tunes. As church bells are heard, a man walks on with his sheep and waits as the audience enters. Over the sound of these bells, the orchestra tunes, the conductor arrives, takes his bow, and takes his place on the podium.

Act One

In the hallway of the Calle de la Providencia mansion, the butler Julio catches one of the footmen, Lucas just as he tries to leave (‘You! Where d’you think you’re going?’). Lucas tells him he’s only going for a short walk, but Julio is stressed out about the dinner happening that evening. They need everyone to do their jobs if they are going to cater for 12 guests. In his anger he tells Lucas not to bother returning.

There is also chaos in the kitchen. The other staff are either leaving, or making plans to do so (‘Camila, what do we do?’). Camila thinks she might go to a friend's house, and Enrique offers to take her there in a taxi. Pablo stops him though; the ragoût needs serving.

The servants’ absence is