The American premiere of the revised version took place at the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 1, 1984.

Juana's three male counterparts – her husband Philip, father Fernando, and son Carlos – are all sung by the same baritone.

Juana, born November 6, 1479, was the daughter of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon.

On October 20, 1496, at the age of 16, she married Philip, son of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor.

Her father Ferdinand of Aragon, attempting to keep control of Castile, argued that Juana was mentally unstable and was named her guardian.

She refused to sign the abdication papers, so she remained as the titular queen, but was confined to a nunnery.

[6] Juana and Philip, entering into their arranged marriage, dismiss their attendants and sing a love duet.

Years later Juana is still passionately in love with Philip, but he engages in numerous infidelities and tries to get her to sign her claim to the Spanish throne over to him.