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Preview audio:

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Monologue: "Meet Giuseppe Verdi!"

Hey there! Do you like music? Opera? Well, today I’m going to introduce you to someone super famous—ME. My name is Giuseppe Verdi!

Now, I know what you’re thinking:

"Who’s Giuseppe Verdi?"

Well, I was an Italian composer, which means I wrote music, and not just any music—I wrote *opera* music!

What’s opera, you ask?

It’s like a musical play, where people sing instead of talking.

And Verdi? He was a "master" at making people sing their hearts out!

And Now… enjoy the opera “La Traviata”.

I was born in 1813 in a little town in Italy called Le Roncole. I grew up loving music, but my family didn’t have a lot of money but I managed to study music and get better and better. People started to notice me!

But my life wasn’t always easy. I had some big challenges. When I was young, my first two children and my wife died. That was a really hard time for me, but I kept going and kept writing music, which made me stronger.

What made me super special was my ability to create amazing, emotional stories through music. My operas aren’t just pretty tunes—they tell stories about love, revenge, power, and... well, sometimes, death! One of my most famous opera is called *La Traviata* (that’s "The Fallen Woman" in English). It’s a tragic love story.

I wrote famous operas like *Aida*, *Rigoletto*, *Otello*, and *La Traviata*. They’re still performed today all around the world! People love my music because it has so much energy and emotion.

And guess what? I lived a long life—I died in 1901 at the age of 87. I am a true musical legend!

So, next time you hear some dramatic opera music, you can say,

“Ah! That’s Verdi!”

Music

La Traviata is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi, with a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, based on the novel La Dame aux Camélias” by Alexandre Dumas. (son)

The plot takes place in Paris and in its surroundings, in the late 1850's. The action of the first act takes place in August; the second in January; and the third in February.

“La Traviata” explores themes of love, sacrifice, social judgment, and redemption. Violetta's tragic end reflects the consequences of social expectations. The opera is known for its emotional depth, with powerful arias and the duets between Violetta and Alfredo.

The title "Traviata" means "the fallen woman," referring to Violetta's status as a courtesan, a label that plays a central role in the opera's exploration of morality, love, and social norms.

The key characters are:

Violetta Valéry — a courtesan

(She adjusts her dress gracefully, looks at the audience, and smiles sweetly)

Hello, everyone! My name is Violetta Valéry. I live in Paris, the city of love and beauty, and everyone knows me for my wonderful parties! I love being with friends, laughing, and making people happy.

I dream of love, true love.

(She smiles and gives a small bow)

Thank you for listening to me. I hope my journey helps you think about how important love, kindness, and courage are in life.

Alfredo Germont — a young bourgeois

(He stands confidently but with a kind expression, looking at the audience)

Hello, everyone! My name is Alfredo Germont. I come from the countryside, where life is simple and peaceful. I fell in love with Violetta Valéry. She’s so full of life, shining like a star in the night sky.

But life isn’t always so simple. I made mistakes too.

(Smiling warmly, he places his hand on his chest)

Violetta taught me that love isn’t just about being happy; it’s about being brave.

Thank you for listening to my story. I hope it reminds you to always follow your heart and never give up on love.

Giorgio Germont — his father

(He walks in calmly, with a serious but kind expression, addressing the audience with warmth)

Hello, everyone. My name is Giorgio Germont. I am Alfredo’s father. My son is a good man, full of love and passion, but sometimes he doesn’t see the bigger picture. That’s where I come in. I try to guide him, even when it’s hard.

When Alfredo fell in love with Violetta, I was worried and I wanted to protect him.

(Sighs, looking down for a moment, then back up)

But when I met Violetta, I saw She was full of beauty and charm but She was brave, selfless, and deeply in love with my son.

I realize now that love—real love—is about kindness, courage, and giving your heart to someone else.

(Smiling softly, with a hint of regret)

Sometimes, even a father can make mistakes.

Thank you for letting me share this with you.

Baron Douphol — Alfredo’s rival

"Hi, I’m Baron Douphol. I’m rich and important I like Violetta, and I want her to be with me. But there’s a problem—Alfredo. He thinks he can win her over with love, but I have money and power, which I think matters more.

Flora —Violetta’s friend

"Hi, I’m Flora! I’m Violetta’s best friend, and I love hosting fun parties where everyone can have fun. I’m cheerful, lively, and always ready to bring some excitement into the room.

With me around, you know things will never be boring!"

Act 1: The Party

The opera begins in Paris. The beautiful courtesan Violetta Valéry is having a party at her home. Violetta suffers from tuberculosis and she was very ill. At the party, she meets Alfredo Germont, a young man who loves her. He wants to marry her, but Violetta doesn’t. Alfredo is persistent and Violetta begins loving him. She gives him a flower telling him to return when it has faded, so very soon.

Violetta: (enters with a glass in her hand)

Welcome to my party! I’m so happy you are all here! CHEERS

SONG: brindisi......

Alfredo:

Hi, Violetta! I’ve admired you for a long time. You are beautiful and kind.

Violetta:

Thank you, Alfredo! But I am sick, and I don’t want love now.

Alfredo:

I understand, but I feel something special for you. Maybe we can talk more?

Violetta:

Hmm… Maybe. We’ll see. Yes, take this flower and come back when it dies.

But now, let’s enjoy the party!

SONG: Si ridesta……

Act 2: scene 1 Violetta and Alfredo in the Countryside

Violetta and Alfredo live together now in the countryside, far from Paris high society. Alfredo is in love with Violetta and he wants to marry her. He wants to take Violetta away from her former life as a courtesan.

Alfredo:

Violetta, I love you! I want to be with you forever. Let’s get married!

Violetta:

Oh, Alfredo, I love you too. But I’m not sure. My life is so complicated.

Alfredo:

Don’t worry! We can be happy together, just you and me.

Violetta:

You’re so sweet, Alfredo, but... There’s something I must tell you…

Act 2: scene 2 Violetta and Alfredo’s father in the Countryside

Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont, goes to visit Violetta. He asks her to leave Alfredo for the sake of his family’s reputation. Alfredo's sister can’t get married because of the scandal of Alfredo's relationship with a courtesan. Violetta agrees to break up with Alfredo and leaves, hoping it will protect his future.

Alfredo’s father enters.

Giorgio (Alfredo’s father):

Violetta, I need to speak with you. Alfredo’s future is in danger. His reputation will be ruined if he stays with you.

Violetta:

I understand. I will leave him forever. It’s the best solution.

Act 2: scene 3 Flora’s party in Paris

Alfredo and Violetta meet in Paris at Flora’s party where people talk about their break up. Violetta arrives with Baron Douphol. Blinded by jealousy, Alfredo appears thinking that the Baron is Violetta's new lover, he plays cards with him and wins a lot of money. Violetta asks Alfredo to speak with her privately.

Alfredo secretly asks Violetta to run away with him. She refuses and she tells him that her new lover is Baron Douphol. In anger, Alfredo humiliates Violetta in front of everyone, throwing money at her feet and saying he has repaid her. Violetta faints.

It is a mask party.

SONG: Le zingarelle

Alfredo:(approaching, trying to mask his jealousy) Violetta! I didn’t expect to see you here.

Violetta: (smiling) Alfredo! Me, too. I hope you’re well.

Baron Douphol: (with a charming smile) Ah, Alfredo! Let’s play cards?

Alfredo: Yes, Let’s see if I am lucky tonight.

(They play cards, and Alfredo wins a large sum.

Violetta: Alfredo, can we talk?

Alfredo: (crossing his arms) No, you’ve got a new boy-friend.

Violetta: It’s not what you think. Baron and I are only friends.

Alfredo: Friends? (laughing)

Violetta: Please, Alfredo. Let’s speak.

Alfredo: OK.

(They move to a quieter corner of the room)

Violetta: I never wanted to hurt you.

Alfredo: Then let’s run away together now.

(They share a moment of silence, both reflecting on their feelings.)

Violetta: Alfredo, I can’t. Baron Douphol… he’s my new lover.

Alfredo: (furious) so it’s true… (throws money at her feet) Here, take this. I’ve paid my debt to you.

Violetta: Alfredo, stop!

(Violetta faints.)

Act 3: Violetta is Dying

The carnival is in the streets of Paris. Violetta has spent all her money and she lives her last moments in a modest Paris apartment. Violetta’s health is getting worse and she is dying.

Only Annina and Dr. Grenvil are with her.

Full of remorse, Giorgio Germont confesses with a letter that he told the truth to his son about her sacrifice. Alfredo arrives too late because Violetta is dying. Alfredo confesses once more his love for Violetta, who dies with the forgiveness of the man she loved.