la traviata
Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
ACT I:
In 1920s Paris, high-end escort Violetta Valéry hosts a party at a penthouse owned by her client, the real estate magnate Baron Douphol, where she lives with her assistant Annina, whom she rescued from the streets years ago. It is her first gathering after having spent the previous year recuperating from a bout of tuberculosis. At the party, Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont by his best friend Gastone, Annina’s boyfriend. As the crowd adjourns to another room, Violetta stays behind to medicate herself with morphine, on which she relies to ease her cough and relieve her pain. Alfredo rejoins her, and they engage in a sweet game of flirtation. Violetta heads to bed where she suffers from nightmares and hallucinations. She considers an affair with Alfredo but sets it aside, deciding she loves her current life.
ACT II:
In the countryside outside Paris, Violetta has left her old life behind, having sold all her belongings to purchase a cottage and start anew with Alfredo. When Alfredo realizes her sacrifice, he dashes away with a promise to help with the finances.
Violetta relishes in the restorative power of country life, ignoring an invitation from her friend Flora, who runs a cabaret club in Paris. She is paid an unexpected visit by Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father. Having assumed the worst of her, Giorgio is surprised by her intelligence and charm. He explains that her affair with Alfredo stands in the way of his daughter’s impending marriage, imploring her to leave his son. She accedes, writing to Alfredo that she no longer loves him and is returning to Paris. Alfredo enters, surprised to see his father, and they argue. He finds Flora’s invitation and leaves in search of Violetta.
Back in Paris, Marchese, an older gay man, has invested his family inheritance into an alternative club, Cabaret Flora. His fascination with couture has the cabaret hosting a themed show every weekend. His business partner Flora, the club’s gender-fluid namesake, has selected “The Spanish Conquest” as that weekend’s theme, and the room is packed with people who enjoy the camaraderie of the clientele. Soon, a slightly tipsy Alfredo appears, followed by the Baron and Violetta. The Baron and Alfredo gamble until dinner is announced. Finding themselves alone, Violetta and Alfredo argue until he calls for everyone to return. Flinging money at Violetta, he proclaims that he has repaid his debt to her. As Alfredo turns to leave, he runs into his father, who expresses horror at his son’s behavior. The Baron promises revenge for Alfredo’s insults.
ACT III:
After their fight, the Baron is hospitalized and Alfredo has fled. An ailing and embarrassed Violetta has found shelter in the Baron’s empty penthouse, though she is destitute and has run out of morphine. She is visited by her dear friend Dr. Grenvil, who lost his practice after returning from WWI wounded and suffering from PTSD. He is now the source of medical care for those on the fringes of society. He is also Violetta’s source of morphine, which he now provides to ease her painful transition from life into death. Realizing that her end is near, Violetta sends Annina away. She rereads a letter sent by Giorgio, promising his and Alfredo’s return to her side. Alone, she confronts her fear of being forgotten, while the nightmare of a world that continues to celebrate is right outside her window. Annina returns, followed by Alfredo, who proclaims his love. With Violetta unable to hide her illness, Alfredo realizes that their time together is short. He is joined by Giorgio and all of Violetta’s family to help usher her into death, comforting her with a sense of community, gratitude, and remembrance.
too long, didn’t read?
Here’s a synopsis of La Traviata in less than two minutes:
“La Traviata” Illustration: © Daria Petrilli - Licensee Chiara Roilo