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Opera in Three Acts

Umberto Giordano (1867–1948)

Libretto by Nicola Daspuro adapted from a verismo play of the same name by Salvatore di Giacomo and Goffredo Cognetti

First performance Teatro Argentina, Rome, 21 February 1892

The opera's story revolves around a love triangle between Vito, a dyer afflicted with tuberculosis; Cristina, a prostitute whom Vito has vowed to marry in return for God curing him of his disease; and Amalia, Vito's mistress but married to Annetiello, a hard-drinking habitué of the brothel where Cristina worked. The action unfolds amidst the neighbourhood's preparations for the Piedigrotta festival.

Previous Wexford performances of operas by Giordano:

La cena delle beffe, 1987 / Siberia, 1999

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