The opera is based on the life of Joaquin Murrieta, a semi-legendary figure in California during the California Gold Rush of the 1850s. Murrietta was partly the inspiration for the fictional character of Zorro, Zorro themes are used in the opera. Svetikova played Murrieta's love interest in the opera. The opera follows one famous story of Murrieta as several exist some describing Murrieta a hero, others a villain. The Russian opera depicts Murrieta as a hero who has to prove his innocence despite his "Wanted" status.