This new title in the Ópera en minúscula series will be performed next Friday at Espacio La Granja.
Ópera en minúscula (small-format opera) offers next Friday (September 26), at 7.30 p.m. at Espacio La Granja, the chamber opera Il Giocatore, composed by Antonio Salvi. As one of the most popular operas of the eighteenth century, this work examines the spread of gambling houses, approached from a modern viewpoint that is reflected in both the characters and their costumes.
The production features stage director and playwright Ana Contreras, musical director Aarón Zapico at the helm of Forma Antiqva, soprano Pilar Alva and baritone Javier Povedano. Physician, court poet, and playwright Antonio Salvi wrote the libretto. The opera premiered in Venice in 1719 and became one of the most performed works of the 18th century, often presented in various adaptations, including this one by Niccoló Jommelli for the Spanish court, commissioned by Farinelli.
One of the goals of Il Giocatore is to connect with the issues affecting today’s youth. To this end, the singers are young, and the wardrobe of the main characters, Serpilla and Bacocco, has been designed to resemble the clothing worn by Rosalía and Bad Bunny. The orchestra will take the stage and interact with the singers. Videos are used to create settings and to show events that take place offstage.
Bacocco returns home after a night of gambling. He has lost everything: his money, his cape, his hat… His wife, Serpilla, waits for him at the door. Fed up with her husband, she is contemplating a divorce. When she scolds him for having spent the night gambling and returning shirtless, Bacocco lies, telling her he has been with friends with whom he is studying scripture and, taking the teachings to heart, has given his hat and clothing to the poor Serpilla discovers a book in his pocket, in which he has recorded his losses. Infuriated, she says she is going to ask for a divorce, ignoring Bacocco’s repeated promise that he will give up gambling.
Bacocco realises that the courts will not be in session that day and enlists a friend who works as the court doorman to help him. He disguises himself as the judge and hears Serpilla’s case. She tells him of her misfortunes and says she wants a divorce. Bacocco, disguised as the judge, sympathises with her for her marriage to such a scoundrel. He says he understands her circumstances and her anger, and he says he will grant her divorce immediately if she admits that she has a lover. After some hesitation, Serpilla confesses, and Bacocco reveals himself and chides her. After Serpilla reacts with shame, they forgive each other. Bacocco promises anew that he will give up gambling, and the two profess their love.
The tickets can be purchased at a single price of €10 on the website www.auditoriodetenerife.com, at the auditorium’s box office, or by dialling the phone number 902 317 327 from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets will likewise be on sale at the Espacio La Granja box office beginning two hours before the show. There are discounts for students, unemployed and large families.
The Ópera de Tenerife is an initiative organised by the Island Council through the Auditorio de Tenerife with the collaboration of the ICDC (Regional Institute of Cultural Development) and the INAEM (Spanish National Institute of Performing Arts and Music). In addition, the second edition of Ópera en minúscula benefits from the partnership of the City Council of La Laguna.