La fantesca

In this lively early‑20th‑century Italian comedy, the abstract figure of Jealousy steps onto the stage, dressed in yellow and speaking with a mixture of warning and wry humor. She declares herself the engine behind love’s sudden turns, arguing that desire inevitably sours once possession is secured. Through vivid metaphors of serpents, poison and fire, she promises to stir the hearts of the audience and of the characters alike.

The plot centers on a bustling household of servants and young lovers. Nepita, a spirited fantesca, finds herself entangled with Essandro, who masquerades as the shy Fioretta, and the ardent Cleria, while the older Gerasto watches the chaos unfold. As Jealousy manipulates each relationship—pitting one fantesca against another, feeding rivalry with clever tricks—the comedy erupts in misunderstandings, frantic denials, and frantic attempts at reconciliation.