ShortWork | l’elisir d’amore GAETANO DONIZETTI (1797–1848)
L’eliSir d’amore {26} October, {2} November 11:00 {29} October 15:30 THE AUDITORIUM, PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, SCHOOL STREET This production is made possible by the generous support of The Lord Magan of Castletown
L’Elisir d’amore (‘The Elixir of Love’) is one of Donizetti’s most frequently-performed operas. It was the first Donizetti opera to be performed at Wexford, and that 1952 production has been followed by performances of a further fifteen of his operas. In honour of the original plot, the action takes place in a Basque village, but it could be any Italian village, with its four stock characters of the bluff man-of-the-world recruiting sergeant, the itinerant quack doctor, the learned, rich and beautiful (female) landowner, and finally the little nobody, Nemorino, who gets the better of them all. When Adina agrees to marry Sergeant Belcore, Nemorino asks for Dulcamara’s help. He wants a love elixir to win over Adina’s heart in Tristan und Isolde style. But the elixir is very expensive, and the only way he can raise enough money is by joining Belcore’s army. Adina is moved by Nemorino’s extreme action and redeems the contract, giving him back his freedom. But Nemorino furiously rejects her offer: freedom without her love is not freedom. At this point Adina surrenders and decides to marry Nemorino. Her fickleness is contrasted with Nemorino’s constancy – and the result boosts the reputation of the elixir-maker.
Nemorino Adina Belcore Dr Dulcamara
Patrick Hyland Jennifer Davis Ian Beadle Thomas Faulkner
Gianetta
Hannah Sawle
Soprano Ensemble
Samantha Hay
Mezzo Ensemble
Emma Watkinson
Tenor Ensemble
Raffaele d’Ascanio
Baritone Ensemble
Music Director
Jamie Rock
Richard Barker
Director
Roberto Recchia
Designer
Sarah Bacon
Lighting Designer Stage Manager
Pip Walsh Aisling Fitzgerald
Technical Manager
Conor Mullan
Costume Supervisor
Frances White
Props Assistant Design Intern
Nessa O’Brolchain Emily Mahon
Additional information on our ShortWork operas including artist biographies and director’s notes can be found in our ShortWorks Daytime Programme Book, available for purchase at each ShortWork venue and our box office.
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L’Elisir d’amore