This project grew out of my reading of Il Trovatore, an Italian opera whose libretto was written by Salvadore Cammarano and completed by Leone Emanuele Bardare.
This is a story of love, revenge, and a past that cannot be buried.
Years earlier, Azucena’s mother was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. Driven by grief and revenge, Azucena abducted the Count’s young brother, intending to throw him into the same fire. In a moment of confusion, however, she threw her own child into the flames instead. She then raised the kidnapped boy, Manrico, as her son.
Years later, Manrico and Count di Luna become enemies, unaware that they are actually brothers. Their conflict over Leonora eventually leads to Manrico’s capture and execution. Only after his death does Azucena reveal the truth to the Count: he has just killed his own brother.
In the end, Azucena’s revenge is fulfilled, but only through a cycle of loss that has destroyed almost everyone involved.
EUM — Edizioni Università di Macerata
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