As six voices fill the air with transcendent music, a lone female dancer beats staccato rhythms with her feet. Brilliant, determined, defiant–this is Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, 17th century Mexican nun, scholar, writer and advocate for women’s education.

A’lante Flamenco brings Juana and her world to life through fiery Flamenco guitar, vocals, and dance, with the voices of the Texas Early Music Project adding Baroque choral works from Juana’s era. Juana: First (I) Dream is inspired by Sor Juana’s lifelong fight for knowledge, independence, and scholarship. Be prepared for a totally unique and immersive experience!

Juana raised her pen as a warrior against hypocrisy hundreds of years ago, but her words still sound as fresh and relevant as today’s headlines. From her poems Silly Men (Hombres Necios), and First Dream (Primero Sueño), to her famous Response to Sister Filotea, Sor Juana defended herself and all women against sexism and repression, earning a reputation as the First Feminist of the Americas. Her words from 1691, “I don’t study to be more intelligent, only to be less ignorant,” should be required reading for today’s leaders.