News > Spoleto Review: Mese Mariano + Le Villi

Last night I went to the opera for the first time. I saw Mese Mariano + Le Villi at the Sotille Theatre, as a part of the Spoleto Festival. Although both of these tragic stories were told beautifully by soprano Jennifer Rowley, but I left quite unsure if opera is really “my thing.”

Rowley and Vania in Le Villi

The night began with Mese Mariano, a story of a mother attempting to visit her son in an orphanage after being forced to give him away. The set and lighting of this production was gorgeous, the music was haunting- but as the curtain closed, I found myself quite unmoved, still awaiting the tears I had expected to fall. Yet none came. I had not found in my heart any empathy for the mother, even though Jennifer Rowley’s performance was fantastic. I simply did not enjoy the story. What I did enjoy about Mese Mariano were the little children of the orphanage. They were adorable, of course, and they brought a certain comedy to this otherwise very sad performance.

Dancers from Dance FX in Le Villi

Next up was Le Villi, a tragedy about an engaged couple who both die of grief after being separated. I enjoyed this performance very much. Local performers from Dance FX played the ghosts that haunt one of the betrothed, Roberto, after his fiance has died, and they were marvelously crazy. Although eerie, Le Villi was beautiful both in song and sight. Dinyar Vania, one of the betrothed, had a gorgeous tenor voice and I found my eyes wet with tears during his “L’abbadnono.” 

Although I’m still on the fence on whether the opera is for me or not, I certainly encourage you all to go out and see these two performances before Spoleto ends. Mese Mariano and Le Villi can be seen on May 27, 29, 31, June 2, 4, and 7. Go to the Spoleto website for times and to purchase tickets. Then let me know what you thought! I’d love to hear your different opinions on these two shows. Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.