An opera piece, Cavelleria Rusticana originating from Italy translated in the vernacular got the audience in stitches on Saturday as it made its last appearance at maitisong.
In a very captivating Tswana setting, those thirsty to hear Pietro Mascagni's work in their own language, and perhaps those with an undying love for the performing arts regardless of the language, laughed their hearts out to the masterpiece that unfolded before them. On an Easter Sunday in an unnamed village, a young soldier; Turiddu performed by a captivating tenor, Boyce Batlang is heard backstage singing a serenade to Lola: the pretty wife of the successful carter, Alfio and his (Turiddu) former lover and fianc. Set in between the church and the village shebeen, villagers are in high spirits as they sing happily. The amazing soprano Tshenolo Batsogile, who plays a simple country girl, Santuzza, approaches Mama Lucia, the shebeen keeper and Turiddu's mother. She is disconcerted and asks where Turiddu is. Mama Lucia says she sent him to a nearby town to buy wine, she does so unfeelingly. However, Santuzza tells her that he was seen during the dark hours outside Lola's house. Mama Lucia is agitated and invites Santuzza to go into the church with her, but Santuza refuses saying she is an outcast from the church and community. She has been abandoned by the love of her life, Turiddu whose heart is still with Lola. Immediately the flamboyant Alfio enters in a jovial mood. He tells the villagers about his life and how wonderful and loyal his wife Lola is. As it is time for the Easter Service, the worshipers; the melodious Sedibeng Choir sing a great hymn. The one-act opera flows into a story of betrayal and deception in love ending with a 'passion killing' when Alfio kills Turiddu. Under the conductorship of classical music storehouse, David Slater, the performance is filled with wonderful voice variations, vibrant characters and emotions.
