
Set in an elegant late‑19th‑century salon, the play opens with Countess Clara and her husband, Count Silvio, sparring over fashion, flirtation and the art of appearance. Their rapid, razor‑sharp dialogue reveals a marriage where affection is mixed with rivalry, and the servants hover like silent witnesses to the couple’s theatrical quarrels. Through a series of witty exchanges about mirrors, dresses and social niceties, the audience senses both the charm and the underlying tension that fuel their relationship.
When Clara mentions the expected arrival of the dashing Gino Ricciardi, the banter turns to anticipation and subtle jealousy. Silvio’s hesitant promises and Clara’s confident assurances set the stage for a comic clash of egos, hinting at a love‑triangle that could upend the household’s polished façade. The first act promises a lively exploration of marital games, societal expectations, and the hilarity that ensues when desire and decorum collide.
Language
it
Duration
~1 hours (80K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2012-07-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1861–1943
An important voice in Italian theater, this Neapolitan dramatist built a wide audience with plays that mixed sharp social observation, emotion, and stagecraft. His career was celebrated across Europe, and his public opposition to fascism later gave his life story an added edge.
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