A tragedy will play out on the Salmar Classic Theatre screen Saturday, Jan. 19.
Live from New York’s Metropolitan Opera, it’s Donizetti’s opera Maria Stuarda.
The opera is one of a number of operas by Donizetti which deal with the Tudor period in English history.
The story is based on a translation of Friedrich Schiller’s 1800 play Maria Stuart.
It is loosely based on the lives of Mary Queen of Scots (as Mary Stuart is known in England) and her cousin Queen Elizabeth1. Schiller had invented the confrontation between the two queens, who in fact never met.
The scene opens within the walls of Westminster Palace, where Elisabetta, Queen of England, contemplates a marriage proposal from the King of France. Politically, this is a perfect match and would be best for her subjects. But her heart longs for Roberto, the Earl of Leicester.
Talbot arrives on behalf of her imprisoned cousin, Maria, Queen of Scotland, seeking mercy from Elisabetta. However, Maria once before tried to claim the English throne and, to make matters worse, Elisabetta is concerned that Roberto loves Maria.
To learn his true feelings, Elisabetta calls upon Roberto and tests him by asking him to deliver a ring to the King of France signifying her acceptance of his proposal. Roberto responds indifferently and obeys her orders. This confirms her suspicions that he loves Maria.
Roberto takes leave and is approached by Talbot. Talbot hands him a picture of Maria along with a letter beseeching a meeting with Elisabetta. Swearing to do anything for his love, he agrees to talk with Elisabetta on behalf of Maria. When Roberto returns, he speaks with Elisabetta. With hesitation, she finally agrees to meet with Maria.
Accompanied by her nurse, Anna, Maria wanders through the park outside of Fotheringay Castle, and reminisces about her youth and the few joys of her limited freedom after her imprisonment.
In the distance, horns are sounded to announce the arrival of the Queen. Maria, suddenly anxious, has second thoughts about her upcoming meeting with the Queen and begins to depart. Before she can make her exit, Roberto arrives and encourages her to stay.
When the two queens finally confront one another, it is clear they both hold reservations and resentment. Prior to the meeting, Elisabetta had rejected her councillors’ advice to execute Maria.
Following a nasty confrontation, a furious and jealous Elisabetta tells Maria to prepare for death.
Within her palace apartment, Elisabetta hesitates to sign Maria’s death warrant, fearing her reputation and the public’s reaction. Her councillors try to convince her that it is for the good of the kingdom as well as her own safety, but she still hesitates.
It isn’t until Roberto arrives pleading for Maria that her jealousy returns in full force. She quickly signs the death warrant and orders Roberto to act as witness of her death.
See the Met Live in HD production of Maria Stuarda Saturday, Jan. 19 at 9:55 a.m. at the Salmar Classic Theatre on Alexander. Tickets are available in advance at the Salmar Grand and are $24 for adults and $18 for students and children.