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Synopsis
Lisa, a young Italian woman from a village on the coast, has been reduced to prostitution in the final years of World War II in Rome. Robert, an American soldier, seeking some sort of domestic situation, arranges for her to live with him, posing as his wife. Ugo, their landlord, immediately understands the situation, but allows them to stay, believing this is better for Lisa than life on the street. Robert finds that he is falling in love with Lisa, but she resists any emotional involvement. Their relationship begins to improve until one evening a policeman, called by a disturbance in another apartment, arrives. He inquires into their situation and without any proof of marriage gives Lisa a summons to appear in court to be registered as a prostitute. Robert promises to take her away from Rome. The next day while Robert is out making preparations to move, Lisa, unable to face the shame of being branded a prostitute, runs from the apartment and throws herself in the Tiber. Robert returns moments too late and is devastated by her action. Ugo utters a final comment on the life the Americans have brought to Rome.
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Title Information
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Approximate Runtime (hh:mm)
2:15
Number of Acts
1
Musical Style
harmonically it is largely atonal but with lyrical, conjunct melodies
Vocal & Musical Forces
mezzo-soprano, baritone, tenor, small speaking part (baritone); 1 (picc.):1(e.hn.):1(b.cl.):1/1 perc, pn, hp/strings (4:0:2:4:2) (strings maybe doubled in a large house)
Original Cast
Lisa, a young Italian woman forced into prostitution, mezzo soprano; Robert, an American soldier, baritone; Ugo, their landlord, Tenor; Policeman, speaking role
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