How is it that many operas originate with Italian composers?
While on my tour of Italy, the opera muse grabbed hold of me. While humming my favorite arias of Puccini from “Madame Butterfly” and “Tournadot,” I became inspired. Using the rich personages from my Trafalgar tour of Italy, I began to imagine my first (and surely once you hear this) last opera.
The protagonists in my opera are the evil tour director, Victorio and the aggressive Australian Tourist, Maria. There are two choruses—the in group (who follow like sheep) and the out group (of whom I am a member).
To flesh out our Scottish/Italian tour guide: His major focus is to extract as much dinero as possible from the very stupide 41 travelers. With many optional tours (add- ons to our original tour cost) and opportunities for kickbacks from selected merchants, Victorio emphasizes these options above all others singing their praises. He never sings about what one might engage in if they didn’t opt for the costly add-on and the money making merchants. After dropping off his charges with the expert guides in various cities, Victorio always disappears. These would be times when he would sing, I’m off for my afternoon delight as he leaves the stage while twirling his mustache and sneering.
Enter stage left is the aggressive, large Australian woman named Maria. ( In the olden days of opera, there were many sopranos who could fit the role, as being larger in girth made for a more resonant voice.) Perhaps a contralto would be better as she had a very loud, deep voice. To flesh her out- She always grabbed the front seat of the bus. She would be frequently singing several arias, I am important, me first, get out of my way, notice me, I can speak Italian, I have been on this tour before, I am in the know.
The in-group has many opportunities to crowd together and sing Victorio’s praises- Isn’t he handsome, isn’t he charming, lets vie with others to be his best friend. For Maria’s praises-She needs us, She says what we are afraid to say, she tramples on everyone in her way, what a great bully.
The out-group sings about Victorio- What a scoundrel, How scheming, He only looks at what is in it for him, Beware of charm. About Maria-What a vexation to the spirit, what an annoyance, isn’t she dreadful.
Finally, the confrontation happens between the two protagonists. It is time for the payment of the optionals. Victorio confronts Maria. The scene is Maria singing that she can’t afford to pay. Victorio asks for a proper credit card. Maria rejoining, poor me I have been so helpful to everyone don’t I deserve a discount. Victorio hearing nothing of her excuses while he sneers and twirls his mustache.
The choruses enter with the in group singing –She is one of us. We protect her. We love our tour guide. We love him.
The out group in contrast sings- Fair is fair, pay your due, we are on to you, Maria. Victorio you have met your match.
The resolution of the conflict comes at a dinner in the Tuscan hills. The choruses are on either side of the long table. The tour director is at the head of the table, the large lady at the foot.
As the protagonists raise their glasses of prosecco, the bubbles shine in the candlelight. They down their drinks hungrily (as is their natures). Unbeknownst to Victorio, Maria has added something to his drink. Unbeknownst to Maria, Victorio has added something to her drink. The substance is finely ground Moreno glass. They each fall off their chairs dead. They are surrounded by their supporters who sing a song of lament. Off to stage right the out group sing a song of fulfillment and right action.
The curtain falls on the Italian opera – The Evil Tour Director and the Aggressive Australian Tourista.
This opera is based upon a true life situation. The names have not been changed because no one is innocent. This opera is being submitted to Berkeley Repertories’ director Tony Taccone. He is sure to resonate with the content being Italian….

Ellen Blufarb is a Marriage Family Therapist. She is chair of the Benicia USD Bond Oversight Committee.

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