Gaetano Donizetti

“RITA”

2.10.2023

Interfest Bitola

Rita, a comic opera in one act.
Music composed by Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848).
Libretto by Gustave Vaëz.
First Performance: 07.05.1860, Opéra-Comique, Paris.
Working title “Two men and one woman”

Conductor: Ivan Eminovikj
Director: Trajko Jordanovski
Set Designer / Costume Designer: Marija Veteroska
Concert Master: Igor Todorov
Light Master: Vasko Lisichov
Correspondent: Adreja Naunov, Janinka Nevcheva, Elena Siljanovska, Jordan Petrushevski

Soloist:
Rita, an owner of overnight stay: Ana Rojdeva
Beppe, her husband: Jane Dunimagloski
Gasparo, her ex husband: Neven Siljanovski
Bortolo, a servant: Borko Bidzovski

Synopsis:

The story takes plance in Bergamo, Italy. It begins at the overnight stay of Rita, the tyrannical and abusive wife of the timid Beppe. The life of the couple is thrown into turmoil with the unexpected arrival of Gaspar, the first husband of Rita, whom all believed to have drowned. Rita is married to Beppe, a man who helped her extinguish the fire of her house. Rita, inspired by her previous experience bullies Beppe in the same way she was abused by Gasparo.
In reality, Gaspar survived the shipwreck and had to run away to Canada. Believing that Rita has died in a fire, Gaspar has returned to obtain her death certificate so that he can remarry his fiancé in Canada. Gasparo arrives at Rita’s residence and meets Beppe. When the two meet, Gaspar tries to run away. Beppe, however, sees this as an opportunity to free himself from Rita’s abuse because Gaspar is her legitimate husband. Gasparo’s sole purpose is to get the document and is using a trick to realize his idea. Rita and Beppe reveal the scam. Gasparo receives the requested document and Rita and Beppe continue to live in a happy marriage with a promise from Rita not to harass Beppe anymore.
* Duration of the play: 75 minutes!