Break 15:00–16:00
Break 15:00–16:00
Cavalleria rusticana
The drama of feelings is expressed by the composer in a naturalistically truthful and powerful way.
03 May,
Friday,
19:00
Cavalleria rusticana is one of the most famous works of verismo (from the Italian word vero – true, truthful), an artistic trend in Italian literature, music and art of the late 19th century. The dramatic depth and expression determined the fate of the opera, which made Mascagni famous worldwide.
The libretto is based on a short story about passion, jealousy, revenge, betrayal and repentance. A swift avalanche of events, a premonition of a catastrophe and an interruption of action at a bloody denouement - an electrified story unfolds in one day. Bright, catchy melodies, ensemble scenes full of sharp drama and at the same time a compact format convenient for listeners, in which there is no place for long arias and duets.
The artistic director of the theatre Yuri Alexandrov dreamed about this work for a long time – a bright material that requires a great energy surge from young performers. “Cavalleria rusticana is about a false understanding of the feeling of freedom. A person thinks that he can easily forget about his obligations to his family, spouse, and child. As a result, freedom does not bring anything, but only destroys... Today, young people quickly marry, quickly break up, and there are many problems with the main treasure of life - the family ...” says Yuri Alexandrov.
Act I
The young villager Turiddu returned from military service to find out that his fiancée Lola had married the carter Alfio while he was away. In revenge, Turiddu seduced Santuzza, a young woman in the village. As the opera begins, Lola, overcome by her jealousy of Santuzza, has begun an adulterous affair with Turiddu.
A village in the south of Italy. Early Easter Sunday morning. Distraught with grief, Santuzza searches for Turiddu in the tavern of his mother, Lucia. “He left for Francofonte,” says Lucia, but Santuzza knows that Turiddu was seen in the village that night. Alfio, returning for Easter, boasts of his horses and his beautiful wife in the company of friends. He asks Lucia to pour the wine he liked, but she says that Turiddu left for wine at night and has not yet returned. To this, Alfio remarks with surprise that he saw Turiddu in the morning not far from his house. Santuzza asks Lucia to be silent and not ask questions...
The villagers go to the church, the Easter prayer sounds. Santuzza shares his grief with Lucia: Turiddu left her for Lola...
Act II
Intoxicated with passion, Turiddu returns home. He is delighted with nocturnal adventures and, despite the mother’s mute reproach, he does not want to talk to his deceived beloved. Santuzza threateningly demands the truth from Turiddu. He is furious. Excessive jealousy and reproaches further push him away from the woman who has become hateful to him...
Lola turns out to be an unwitting witness to this scene. She’s having fun. Suffering, Santuzza is unable to contain hurtful words. In response, Lola taunts her rival and leaves. Santuzza’s attempts to keep her beloved are in vain - she is thrown aside by a rude push. Turiddu runs after Lola...
“On the day of Easter I am sending a curse on you!” Her cry is heard after him, interspersed with loud sobs. A woman who has lost her mind from grief decides to take revenge. She tells Alfio about his wife's betrayal. He is shocked by the unexpected news. It seems to him blasphemy to say that Lola is wrong! However, the truth of what was said is confirmed by the facts. Alfio’s anger is terrible: “The offender cannot live through today!” He swears. Santuzza regrets, but it is too late.
After Easter Mass, the whole village gathers at Mama Lucia’s tavern. Laughter is carefree, jokes are carefree ... The lucky lover of the beautiful Lola is joyful. He asks his friends to drink a keg of good wine with him. “For those who are dear to us,” offers Turiddu, referring to Lola. “For joy and good luck!” She answers. Turiddu sings a cheerful drinking party, but with the arrival of Alfio, the atmosphere becomes tense. Alfio refuses wine, which provokes Turiddu into a quarrel. Violating the old Sicilian custom, where a dishonored husband and a rival exchange a light bite, Turiddu is the first to bite Alfio’s ear, challenging him to a duel...
Turiddu begs his mother to take care of Santuzza. After all, if something happens to him, she will be left alone with their child ... Embraced by horror, everyone is silent ... Time drags on painfully...
Loud female screams cut through the oppressive silence: Turiddu has been killed ... Santuzza, distraught with grief, plunges a dagger into her chest...
Номинация «Лучший спектакль в оперном театре», сезон 2015/2016
