Aug. 16 – The 20th edition of Montreal’s Italian Week will see the National Congress of Italian-Canadians homage the Emilia Romagna region, celebrating the 200th anniversary since Giuseppe Verdi’s birth by presenting La Traviata. “In a social context dominated by men, says the Congress in a nota, Verdi writes a rather critical political piece in three acts. La Traviata is a great masterpiece, remaining today one of the most performed operas out there. Violetta, a young courtisan, falls in love with Alfredo, a young aristocrat. With their relationship quickly transforming into a love affair, Alfredo’s father, persuaded that Violetta is nothing more than a gold digger, convinces her to leave him. She accepts and Alfredo is left alone and abandoned, without explanation. When the young aristocrat uncovers his father’s move, it is already too late.” The final representation will close the Italian Week of Montreal (free entry) on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 9pm on the stage of Loto-Québec, on boulevard Saint-Laurent, at the corner with rue Saint-Zotique.
