Speranza
The opera opens with Ippolito hunting, and dedicating his life to Diana. Teseo returns from Crete with Fedra. Ippolito is in love with Ferebea. It is Ferebea, not Fedra, who is madly in love with Ippolito. Ippolito reaffirs his desdain for women, though. Ferebea wants to write a love letter to Ippolito, but finds she is illiterate.
Act II introduces the affair Fedra-Ippolito, with Teseo visiting Hell with his friend Piritoo. Ferebea asks Fedra to switch beds one night. There is an illustration of this. Dressed as Fedra, Ferebea attempts to seduce Ippolito. The real Fedra is accused, though, and she tries to poison herself.
Act III has a double happy ending: Ippolito dies (falls) but rises back to his feet. Fedra and Teseo happily reunite. Comedy features in the 'death' or fall of Ippolito.
Banished by Teseo, Ippolito takes the fateful ride in the chariot -- WHICH PROVIDES AN EXCUSE FOR SPECTACLE. There is an illustration on this. Diana enlists Esculapio to revive Ippolito and, with Esculapio's help, as asked by Diana, Ippolito rises back to his feet. He does so only begrudgingly, afraid that he may incur Jupiter's anger.
The set design was by Santurini. And a brilliant design it is, too, showing Ippolito in his chariot.
The fall of Ippolito, which should be the ultimate tragic result of Fedra's desire, becomes an opportunity for excess in the visual realm.
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