Opera Club: Free Screening in Learning Center

The Opera Club will hold a free screening of Vicenzo Bellini’s romantically stressed tale “I Puritani” on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Center of Clubhouse 3. This bel canto (beautiful singing) opera will be introduced by the club’s knowledgeable Vice President Robert Kastanek, who will talk about the political and religious conflicts between the Royalists and Puritans in England of 1640.

Act 1 introduces Elvira, a member of the Puritan faith who is deeply in love with Arturo, a Royalist (follower of the Crown, whose religious beliefs differ to the point of death). Unfortunately, her father has promised her in marriage to Ricardo, a Puritan, while her Uncle has supported her personal choice. On the day of her intended wedding to Arturo, the groom assists the Royalist Queen to escape her execution by disguising her in Elvira’s wedding veil.

In Act 2, viewers see that these events were so upsetting to Elvira that she loses her reason in a display shown vocally as a mad scene.

Act 3 finds that Arturo’s return has caused Elvira to regain her sanity even as soldiers arrive to arrest Arturo to carry out his death sentence. However, viewers learn immediately that the Royalists have been defeated and their political prisoners have been pardoned. Elvira and Arturo are now free to be married.

No dues or fees are collected. For more information, contact Margaret Gillon at 562-3703844 or margaretgi@ yahoo. com. This opera is performed in Italian and will be shown with English subtitles.