Storia vecchia: Commedia in due atti

In a richly imagined 19th‑century castle, the dashing Duke Alfonso and his old friend the Marquis Manfredo spar over everything from fleeting flirtations to the weight of honor. Their banter, performed before a lively household staff, crackles with irony, while Berta, the marchesa, and a faithful servant linger in the background, adding layers of social intrigue. The setting feels both grand and intimate, allowing listeners to picture candlelit salons where secrets slip between sips of wine.

When Manfredo receives an unexpected letter, the comedy takes a turn toward the absurd. The missive, a blend of remorse, political intrigue and a tempting diplomatic post, forces the Marquis to weigh his devotion to his wife against a daring new venture. Alfonso, ever the confidant, offers sharp counsel that skews between cynical humor and unexpected wisdom, setting the stage for a series of escalating misunderstandings that promise plenty of laughs and a glimpse into the fragile egos of aristocratic life.