The People of Ayacucho

This work depicts the manipulation suffered by Peru's indigenous people at the hands of both the Viceroy's forces and those known as the patriots. Indigenous people fought and died on both sides. The surprising victory of the independence fighters at the Battle of Ayacucho did not improve the situation of indigenous people; on the contrary, they were left more defenseless in the face of exploitation by the criollos. In the following century, it was no longer the royalists and patriots who took advantage of them, but those of Sendero Luminoso and the armed forces.
First Act: The piece begins with the memory of the famous battle as recalled — from the pampa de la Quinua, where the battle took place — by Tayta (father) Ayacucho. For the first time, the events are narrated from the Spanish point of view. The royalist generals are confident of a swift victory given their greater superiority in artillery pieces and number of soldiers. Ayacucho observes the Spaniards' arrogance but dares to ask the Viceroy to free the indigenous soldiers. The Viceroy tells him that the Ayacuchans fight for peace and true freedom. Córdova and La Mar, patriot generals, arrive at the royalist camp to demand surrender, which the Spaniards reject. The children of Ayacucho will fight the next day on both sides.
Second Act: From a Spanish vantage point where Ayacucho stands, the Viceroy witnesses the unexpected defeat of his army. Ayacucho bears witness to the sacrifice of his children on both sides. The rival leaders negotiate the terms of a generous capitulation. To Ayacucho's astonishment, the Spaniards retain all their rights over the lands and mines usurped from the indigenous people.
Third Act: Ayacucho again witnesses the manipulation and sacrifice of his children by Sendero Luminoso and the government's armed forces. After dramatic encounters, the children of Ayacucho engage in fratricidal struggles. The ghosts of the heroes of the combatants bear witness to the modern Andean holocaust.