Rose Freeman

Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department alum Rose Freeman ’07, a graduate of the Theatre Department’s theatre directing program, is directing the Chicago-area premiere of With Blood, With Ink, Daniel Crozier’s chamber opera about Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651-1695), the iconic 17th-century Mexican poet and nun.

Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz

In this critically acclaimed opera, Sor Juana recounts her life story from her deathbed, reflecting on her life’s search for truth and wrestling with her own faith. Known in her lifetime as “The Tenth Muse” and “The Phoenix of America,” Sor Juana lived in Mexico when it was a Spanish colony. Her poetry addressed such themes as love, feminism, and religion. As a nun, she was famed for her work in charitable service to the poor. With Blood With Ink explores Sor Juana’s life in nine continuous scenes, each of which is framed by textural and musical fragments of the Requiem Mass. Within this musical framework, librettist Peter M. Krask weaves lines of Sor Juana’s actual poetry, creating a compelling, comprehensive work.

The opera is presented by the Third Eye Theatre Ensemble October 20-November 5 at Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston, Chicago. For tickets, click here.