La Traviata

Act 1:

Violetta Valéry, renowned courtesan, is playing host to a lavish party attended by the upper-class gentlemen of Paris and her fellow courtesans. She is introduced to Alfredo Germont, a man of modest means, who has been in love with her for a year. Alfredo, pressured by the other partygoers, gives a toast to love; Violetta joins in, toasting to pleasure. The party guests then retire to other rooms. As Violetta notes how she looks pale and sickly, Alfredo returns. She begs him to leave, but he protests that he loves her. Knowing that she is ill, she discourages his admission, but is ultimately moved by his sincerity. Violetta offers him a flower and tells him to return when it has withered, which he excitedly accepts. With Alfredo gone, Violetta reflects on his proffered love, but resolves that she must remain free to move from pleasure to pleasure.

Act 2:

Months later, Violetta is living with Alfredo in the countryside, having abandoned her life of luxury. Annina, Violetta’s maid, arrives and tells Alfredo that she has been sent to sell Violetta’s property in order to pay down their debts. Filled with remorse, Alfredo realizes the sacrifices that Violetta has made to and leaves for Paris. Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, arrives to confront Violetta, telling her that Alfredo is ruining himself to keep her as his mistress. When Germont comments on the luxury of their country manor, Violetta shows him the papers that have been prepared for the sale of her possessions. Germont explains that her relationship with Alfredo is putting his younger sister’s impending marriage in jeopardy and asks her to leave Alfredo for the good of his family. Violetta is convinced by Germont’s insistence and tearfully agrees to give up Alfredo forever. Germont departs into the garden, and Violetta prepares a letter to Alfredo when he returns. He tells Violetta that he has received a harsh letter from his father but is certain that he will change his mind once he meets her, not knowing that Germont has already arrived. Violetta pretends to leave so as not to be present during the confrontation of father and son. A messenger arrives with her letter of farewell, and Alfredo is immediately grief-stricken. Germont returns and implores him to return to his family, but Alfredo angrily refuses. Alfredo finds an invitation from Flora, and leaves in the hopes of finding Violetta.

Act 3:

Alfredo arrives at Flora’s house while the party is already in progress. Violetta arrives to the party on the arms of the Baron Douphol as the gambling commences. Alfredo begins winning several high stakes hands, enraging the Baron. Before violence can break out, a servant announces that dinner is ready. As the rest of the guests depart for supper, Violetta stays behind to confront Alfredo and begs him to leave. Alfredo declares that he will only leave if she comes with him and, unwilling to reveal the truth, declares that she is in love with the Baron and will remain with him. In a fit of jealousy, Alfredo calls the guests back and reveals that he has been living with Violetta at great cost to her. He then throws his winnings at her feet and declares that he is paid in full. Germont arrives in time to witness Alfredo’s outburst and dresses him down for his boorish behavior. Alfredo realizes that he has gone too far and feels remorse, but is unable to make amends.

Act 4:

It is several months following Flora’s party, and Violetta is on the brink of death. Dr. Grenvil visits her in her home and informs Annina that Violetta has but a few hours left to live. Violetta reads a letter from Germont informing her that Alfredo knows of her sacrifice and wishes to return to beg her forgiveness. Just as hope is dwindling, Alfredo returns and embraces her as they speak of a future together that can never happen. Germont enters in the final moments to bless the union, filled with remorse for the suffering his actions have caused. Violetta suddenly rises in one last burst of energy, then collapses, dying in the arms of her beloved Alfredo.