The opera *Alahor in Granata*, part of the “Donizetti Opera” series, is a melodrama in two acts with music by Gaetano Donizetti and a new production curated by the Fondazione Teatro Donizetti.
The opera is a melodrama in two acts with music by Gaetano Donizetti. The production features a new staging by the Fondazione Teatro Donizetti in Bergamo, based on a critical edition edited by Edoardo Cavalli.
Cast and production
Chiara Cattani serves as musical director, while Benedetto Sicca Papa directs. Luigi Ferrigno is responsible for set design, Marco Piemontesi for costumes, and Marco Giusti for lighting. The cast features Laura Verrecchia as Muley-Hassem, Mira Alkhovik as Zobeida, Grisha Martirosyan as Alahor, Dave Monaco as Alamar, and Cristina De Carolis as Sulima. Musical accompaniment is provided by the Gli Originali orchestra and the Accademia Teatro alla Scala chorus, under the direction of chorus master Salvo Sgrò.
Plot
The story takes place in Granada in the late 15th century, a period when the city—the last Arab kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula—was under siege by Spanish troops. Within the city, the Abencerage and Zegri factions were locked in conflict. The latter seized power after the assassination of King Mohamed, replacing him with Muley-Hassem. Although he belongs to the Zegri faction, the new ruler seeks peace with the Spanish and harbors feelings for Zobeida, the daughter of the previous king. This attitude provokes the hostility of Alamar, leader of the Zegri, and of Alahor, Zobeida’s brother, who returns incognito to avenge his father and prevent his sister’s marriage. Alahor joins a plot to kill Muley-Hassem, but the assassination attempt fails. Instead of punishing the conspirators, the king shows magnanimity by renouncing his claim to Zobeida. Moved by this gesture, Alahor decides to defend the king during an attack by the Zegri, ultimately allowing Muley-Hassem and Zobeida to marry.
