18/12 – Premiere of the FilmOpera TWELVE YEARS LATER, the sequel to Cavalleria

Monday 18th December, 9pm
Goldoni Theater
Film Screening Opera
TWELVE YEARS LATER – The sequel to Cavalleria Rusticana
One act on the libretto by Lido Pacciardi and Mario Menicagli, freely inspired by the drama by Giovanni Grasso (1917)
music by Mario Menicagli
incipit by Emanuele Barresi
illustrations by Massimiliano Luschi
musical preparation by Stefano Brondi

Free entry until seats run out

GENESIS
It was born from an idea of Franco Zappalà, Sicilian director and actor, director of the Gran Teatro Tenda Zappalà.
The opera Twelve Years Later is inspired by the homonymous popular drama by Giovanni Grasso, one of the greatest tragic actors of the twentieth century, recognized worldwide as one of the pioneers of Stanislavsky’s inspiration methods, protagonist of famous silent films, many of which have been lost or destroyed.

THE OPERA
The one-act play Twelve Years Later can be considered a real “sequel” to Cavalleria Rusticana, of which it retains some fundamental features: similar orchestral ensemble, the “Preghiera” (Prayer), the “Stornello di Lola”, the “Brindisi” (Toast), and the Intermezzo, composed strictly in the key of F major.
It takes place in Sicily, at Easter, twelve years after the tragic events of Cavalleria Rusticana, the day when Compar Alfio is released from prison.
Santuzza firmly rejects the attentions of her friend Pietro and, marked by the tragedy that has befallen her, she has to take care of Gna Lucia and Turidduzzu, the twelve-year-old son born from her relationship with Turiddu.
There are frequent quarrels with Lola, a beautiful woman who continues to show off her beauty, almost indifferent to the troubles she causes. The presence of Zu Brasi, an old and wise family friend, is of great help.
Compar Alfio arrives in the town secretly, longing to be forgiven by everyone. In an atmosphere of redemption that characterizes the opera’s finale, he will succeed in his intent.

THE CHARACTERS

Santuzza soprano
Zu Brasi old family friend baritone
Turidduzzu Turiddu and Santuzza’s twelve-year-old son boy’s voice
Compar Alfio baritone
Lola soprano
Gna Lucia mezzo-soprano
Pietro Santuzza’s suitor tenor
Filomena peasant woman soprano
Villagers, villagers’ children

The story takes place in Sicily, in the second half of the 19th century.