La Malinche (Limón)

Malintzin, also called Doña Marina or La Malinche, served as interpreter and intermediary for Hernán Cortés during the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Her legacy has been debated as that of a survivor, cultural mediator, mother, and alleged traitor.

La Malinche is a trio centered on Malinche, a Spanish conquistador, and an Indigenous man. Its compressed cast turns a vast historical conflict into an archetypal modern-dance drama.

American composer Norman Lloyd wrote the music for Limón's dance. Lloyd also worked with major modern-dance artists and helped develop music education at the Juilliard School.

Archival records place its first performance in Boston in 1947, although some later accounts give 1949. It was among the first works Limón made for his own company and drew on memories of Mexican fiestas.