French opera to be screened
OPERA CLUB
Everyone is invited to watch Jules Massenet’s emotionally- driven opera “Werther” on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 2:30 p.m. in the Learning Center of Clubhouse 3. This is a new time based on the room’s availability during the first few months of 2024. President Margaret Gillon will introduce this tale of unrequited love based on the struggles and complexities of human life portrayed in Goethe’s novel “The Sorrows of Young Werther.”
Act 1 opens in the garden of the Mayor who is discussing with friends the evening’s gala ball, to be attended by his beautiful eldest daughter Charlotte, 20, escorted by a sensitive young poet Werther, 23, in the absence of her fiance, Albert, who has been detained returning from a six-month journey.
Charlotte has cared for her six younger brothers and sisters following the premature death of her mother, to whom she had pledged to marry Albert.
In Act 2, the audience learns that Charlotte and Albert are three months happily married while the poet Werther is dealing with jealousy.
While Albert acknowledges Werther’s pain, stemming from having met Charlotte while she was single, her younger sister, Sophie, 15, attempts to attract Werther without success. Charlotte tells Werther it may be best to cool things by separating until Christmas.
In Act 3, Charlotte is re-reading some letters from Werther and recognizes some long-felt love for him. On his arrival back for Christmas, she momentarily falls into his arms, but she recovers and leaves the room. When her husband, Albert, enters, Werther asks to borrow his pistols for an upcoming journey, to which Albert agrees.
In Act 4, Charlotte arrives to find Werther mortally wounded but he prevents her from summoning help. She confirms to have always loved him. Werther dies as children sing carols on Christmas Eve.
The production is in French with English subtitles. People are invited to wear masks indoors, if desired. No dues or fees are collected.
For more information, contact Margaret Gillon at Margaretgi@kyahoo.com or 562-370-3844.
