SYNOPSIS

The action takes place in a Sicilian village on an Easter day in the later part of the nineteenth century.

2 During the Prelude Turiddu is heard serenading Lola, his former fiancée. 3 The curtain then rises on the public square. It is morning. Church bells ring and people gather for Mass. Some enter the church, others wander off in groups. 4 Santuzza approaches Mamma Lucia and inquires about Turiddu, with whom she is in love. She has not seen him, nor has his mother, although the latter thinks he has gone to Francofonte to buy wine.

5–6 Alfio enters, followed by a crowd of villagers, and asks to buy wine from Mamma Lucia. She tells him it is not possible until Turiddu returns with a new supply. “But he’s still here,” replies an astonished Alfio, “I saw him this morning near my house.” Mamma Lucia is about to express surprise when Santuzza checks her. Alfio departs. 7 The choir is heard from inside the church, and villagers still in the square go in.

Mamma Lucia asks Santuzza why she motioned her to be silent. 8 The younger woman reminds her that before Turiddu left to serve his time in the army, he and Lola were in love with each other but that, tired of waiting, the fickle Lola maried Alfio. Turiddu was crushed by Lola’s betrayal and consoled himself with Santuzza, who was consequently excommunicated and repudiated by the villagers. Now, Lola, weary of Alfio, has recaptured Turiddu, to the dismay of Santuzza. During Alfio’s frequent absences, she explains, Turiddu has been seeing Lola. Shaken by Santuzza’s words, Mamma Lucia  goes toward the church and agrees to pray for her.

9 Turiddu comes into the square, also on his way to Mass. Surprised at seeing Santuzza outside church at Easter, he tries to avoid talking to her, but she insists. She reproves him for lying that he had gone to Francofonte and tells him he was seen near Lola’s house by her husband. Santuzza is frightened when Turiddu suggests his life will be in danger if Alfio learns of his visits to Lola. “Then you do love her!” she shrieks. He denies it, 10 but he vows not to be enslaved by Santuzza’s jealousy.

11 Lola enters, singing lightheartedly about a flower. She grasps the situation at a glance, and the two women exchange bristling words. With a shrug Lola goes into church, beckoning her lover to follow. 12 –13 Santuzza detains him and they quarrel until Turiddu throws her to the ground. As he strides defiantly into the church, Santuzza hurls a curse at him, and stays outside, sobbing.

14 Alfio approaches. Santuzza tells him his wife went to Mass with Turiddu and proceeds to blurt out the whole story. 15 At first he threatens her, not believing what she has told him, but he is finally convinced and, vowing to have vengeance, he rushes off. Santuzza, dazed by thoughts of the tragedy her jealousy may cause, leaves, and the square is deserted.

16 Intermezzo

17 People emerge from the church and assemble before Mamma Lucia ’s tavern. Turiddu is in high spirits, for Lola is with him and Santuzza is not there. 18 He invites friends to enjoy his mother’s wine. 19 Alfio enters and Turiddu offers him a glass that is gruffly refused. The two men exchange sharp words, 20 and Turiddu accepts the challenge to duel. Alfio leaves.

21 Turiddu tells his mother he is going away, perhaps not to return. He bids her take care of Santuzza in his absence, and assuring her that his wild talk is caused only by the wine, he rushes off. She follows for a few steps, shouting after him in despair. Santuzza enters and throws her arms about Mamma Lucia as the square begins to fill again. There is nervous expectancy in the air. A murmur of voices is heard in the distance, and then a woman cries shrilly that Turiddu has been murdered. Santuzza gives an anguished shriek and collapses. Women rush to Mamma Lucia’s side as she also reels and faints. The stupefied crowd looks on in horror.