show category: opera

RUSTIC CHIVALRY

One-act opera, on a libretto by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci, based on the eponymous drama by Givanni Verga

Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni is a one-act opera that premiered on 17 May 1890 at the Burgtheater in Vienna. Adapted from a play by Giovanni Verga, the opera is set on an Easter morning in 19th century Sicily. A sad and restless girl, Santuzza, searches for her lover Turridu, who has betrayed her and returned to his former fiancée Lola, who has meanwhile married the rich Alfio. Santuzza tries in vain to win back her lover. Mad with jealousy, she tells Alfio, her cuckolded husband, about Lola and Turridu. At that moment, Turridu’s fate is sealed. Alfio challenges him to a duel. So, after saying goodbye to his mother, Turridu leaves for the fatal encounter.

DODICI ANNI DOPO

The brainchild of Sicilian director and actor Franco Zapala, director of the Gran Teatro Tenda Zappalà, Dodici anni dopo (Twelve Years Later) is based on the eponymous drama by Giovanni Grasso, one of the greatest Italian actors of the 20th century and the protagonist of several well-known silent films, many of which have disappeared or been destroyed.

Dodici anni dopo is considered a sequel to Cavalleria rusticana, from which it retains some fundamental musical features. The action takes place in Sicily at Easter, 12 years after the tragic episode of Cavalleria rusticana, marking the day when Compar Alfio is released from prison and heads for the village in secret, yearning to be forgiven by everyone. In an atmosphere of redemption that characterises the opera’s finale, he succeeds in fulfilling his intention.

Recommended age: 10+

The performance has an intermission and ends around 9:30 pm