Friedrich, the governor of Sicily, has banned frivolous entertainment of all sorts – including love. Claudio violates the statutes, and is therefore condemned to death. However, his sister Isabella, a novice in a convent, begs Friedrich to have mercy on him. The governor is willing to pardon the culprit, but only under one condition: the beautiful Isabella must join him for a secret tryst. The future nun pretends to agree to the deal, but in fact is weaving a plot against Friedrich: instead of going to the assignation herself, she sends Friedrich's wife, Mariana, who has been hidden away in a convent. She also arranges for her to meet him amidst the bustle of the forbidden carnival. The two ladies expose the hypocritical governor. Claudio regains his freedom, and the ban on love comes to an end.
Cast and Creative team for Das Liebesverbot (The Ban on Love) at Hungarian State Opera, Erkel Theatre
Credits
Librettist Richard Wagner Translator Lajos Csákovics Director Máté Szabó Set designer Balázs Cziegler Costume designer Ildikó Tihanyi Choreographer Melinda Jakab