I puritani

Synopsis

Plymouth, England. Following increasingly violent anti-Royalist sentiments within the Puritan community, King Charles I is executed. Soon after, civil war breaks out.

ACT I

Elvira, the daughter of Puritan commander Gualtiero (Lord Walter Valton), has fallen in love with Arturo (Lord Arthur Talbo), the son of a staunch Royalist. Though her father has planned for Elvira to marry Riccardo (Sir Richard Forth), a Puritan, he eventually goes back on his word, agreeing to his daughter’s union with Arturo.

Citizens of Plymouth arrive for what they believe to be the wedding between Elvira and Riccardo, but it is actually that of Elvira and Arturo. Believing Elvira should be his property, Riccardo is deeply disappointed by Valton’s revision.

Elvira is greeted by her uncle Giorgio, who informs her of her father’s change of mind.

Arturo arrives to meet his bride and to declare his unyielding commitment. Within the walls of the fortress, he encounters a mysterious noblewoman being kept prisoner. She is about to be escorted to London for interrogation. Left alone with Arturo, she reveals her true identity: she is Enrichetta (Queen Henrietta), widow of King Charles I. Arturo’s loyalty to the Stuart cause compels him to save her.

When he is alone with Enrichetta, Arturo tells her that Elvira’s wedding veil will provide a disguise for her escape. As the two are leaving, Riccardo discovers them, but allows them to get away as he knows this will ruin Arturo. Arturo escorts Enrichetta out – the crowd believe they are the newlywedded. Elvira enters, believes herself betrayed and becomes increasingly distressed.

INTERVAL

ACT II

Months later, Plymouth is under siege and Elvira has descended into madness. Riccardo reports that Arturo has been condemned to death by Parliament. Driven insane, Elvira sees Arturo everywhere and dreams of her wedding. Alone with Riccardo, Giorgio tries to convince him to save Arturo for the sake of Elvira’s health. The two men strike a deal: if Arturo is found fighting for the Royalists, he will die, but if he is found off the battlefield, he will be saved and allowed to reunite with Elvira. Meanwhile, the civilian populace determine to go to war, and hunt down Arturo.ACT III

Disturbed by Elvira’s increasingly erratic state, Arturo returns to Plymouth. When he and Elvira reunite he is shocked by her mental deterioration. The two reaffirm their love and Arturo expresses regret at leaving.

Arturo reflects on his feelings of guilt over Elvira’s madness. The community arrest Arturo and prepare him for his execution. Suddenly there is an announcement: The Royalists have been defeated, and Cromwell has called for amnesty for all offenders. Everyone celebrates victory and wishes Elvira and Arturo happiness.