An attempt to reimagine a popular, well-known opera was a truly challenging creative goal for the stage director Oksana Taranenko and producing conductor Valery Regrut. A new impulse for drama development, unique scenography and costumes, and the eternal beautiful music of Mascagni. It is all in this original new production of the opera.
From the first sounds of music, you will be taken into a whirlwind of events! Love collisions, jealousy, betrayal and passion will vividly unfold during this one-act opera, leaving no room for indifference.
On Easter Eve, love is raging in a Sicilian village. A young villager Turiddu is on the way to see his beloved Lola, singing to the whole village about her beauty.
Before serving in the army, Turiddu and Lola were engaged, but while he was in the military, the girl married the rich carter Alfio. So, Turiddu resorted to seeking comfort in the arms of the orphan Santuzza.
Overcome with jealousy, knowing that her husband will not be at home, Lola seduces Turiddu and invites him to her place. Turiddu agrees, but trying to hide his relationship with the married Lola, he tells everyone that he went to Francofonte to get wine for the holiday. And so Turiddu visits Lola.
It is difficult, however, to hide the truth in a small village. Religious Santuzza, fearing dishonour, and confused by a moral dilemma, does not allow herself to enter the church, considering herself unworthy.
Even during the Easter service, Santuzza sees a bad omen. Out of desperation, she goes to Turiddu’s mother Lucia for support and, most importantly, to find out the truth about where Turiddu spent the night. The mother assures Santuzza that her son went to get the wine, but Santuzza knows that he lied to her. He was seen a few hours ago at Lola’s house. Santuzza confesses to Lucia that Turiddu used to spend the nights at her place.
Turiddu arrives. Santuzza tries to confirm his intentions concerning herself and his attitude towards Lola. From the conversation it is clear. All of his thoughts are now only about Lola. Turiddu and Lola openly go to the church. Unable to cope with the betrayal and humiliation, Santuzza curses him. Blinded by jealousy and resentment, she tells Alfio about his wife’s betrayal. He swears to take a brutal vendetta (revenge). Santuzza is stunned by his reaction. She realises what a terrible mistake she just made. However, there is no turning back.
Villagers return from the service and set festive tables near Lucia’s wine shop. Turiddu realises that he is celebrating his last hours. The wine brought from Francofonte flows like a river. Turiddu offers Alfio a drink, but he refuses. Realising this is the only way, Turiddu challenges him to a duel. Following an old Sicilian tradition, he bites Alfio’s ear, drawing blood, signifying a fight to the death.
Turiddu says goodbye to his mother asking her to take care of Santuzza if he does not return, and rushes out. A desperate woman’s cry rises above the village: “They have murdered Turiddu!”
Opera in one act. Libretto by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci. Based on the short story by Giovanni Verga.