Giuseppe Verdi
Opera
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave based on “La Dame aux camélias” novel by Alexandre Dumas – fils. First performance – Teatro La Fenice, Venice, 6 March 1853. At the Astana Opera House, the premiere took place on 22 October 2014.
Opera in 3 acts
The scenery is the property of Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini, Jesi,
under the sketches of Josef Svoboda
Performed in Italian
(accompanied by subtitles in Kazakh and Russian)
ACT І
The courtesan Violetta Valéry hosts a party in her Paris salon, where she is introduced to Alfredo Germont, an admirer. When they are alone, Alfredo confesses his love. At first Violetta protests but then relents and asks him to meet her the following day. After the party, Violetta feels torn between her desire for freedom and love. She chooses love and Alfredo can be heard singing outside.
ACT ІІ
Months later they are living in a country house near Paris. Alfredo discovers that Violetta has been selling her possessions to support their lifestyle. He immediately leaves for Paris to procure funds. Violetta receives a party invitation from her friend Flora. In Alfredo’s absence, his father Giorgio Germont visits to try to persuade Violetta to end the relationship with his son. She relents and writes Alfredo a farewell letter. Alfredo returns and is surprised seeong her tears and anxiety. After her departure he finds her letter. She attends the party with Barone Douphol, her new lover. Alfredo arrives and challenges the Barone to a game of cards. Alfredo then accuses Violetta of betrayal. Violetta faints and Germont arrives and denounces his son’s behavior. The Barone challenges Alfredo to a duel.
ACT ІІІ
Six months have passed and Violetta is slowly dying, alone and exhausted. She reads Germont’s letter in which he informs her that Alfredo went abroad after the duel, but, having discovered the truth about her sacrifice, he will come to her to ask for her forgiveness. The servant informs about Alfredo’s arrival. The lovers are reunited, they plan to leave Paris and begin a new life. But after a last resurgence of strength Violetta dies.