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Synopsis
release the hostages (“A voice from outside”). Mr. Hosokawa shakes Gen
awake to translate.
Joachim Messner, a Red Cross emissary, arrives. Reluctantly, the rebels allow
him entry. The vice president and the other hostages urge the rebels to heed
Messner and free them (“Joachim Messner, the messenger”). After airing
their demands of a better life for the poor and the liberation of a long list
of imprisoned comrades, the captors agree to let the injured, infirm, and
elderly hostages go with Messner (“Listen to him”). Though very ill, Roxane’s
accompanist Christopf refuses to leave her, and Father Arguedas and one of
the young soldiers gently help him to a sofa.
Intrigued by the young soldier, Gen initiates a brief conversation that leaves
him feeling uneasy—and full of desire. Meanwhile Mr. Hosokawa, infatuated
with Roxane and feeling responsible for the entire incident, tries to apologize
to her without the help of his translator. Despite the lack of words, they begin
to communicate. Meanwhile, Gen’s fascination with the young soldier
increases as they converse again. Time begins to take on new meaning for
the four of them (“Momentary words”).
SCENE 3
A week has passed. Chairs are stacked in front of the windows. General
Benjamín adds a new stroke to a rude tally he’s been keeping on the wall,
counting the days since the siege began. In their imaginations, hostages and
captors alike picture life outside the walls of the mansion (“Beyond”).
Messner enters and tells the generals they need to put aside their ideals and
be practical. They refuse (“Messner’s return”). General Alfredo, frustrated,
trains his gun on Roxane and orders her to sing. Her song entrances all,
including the young soldier, whose secret long hair comes undone during the
performance, captivating Gen again (“Without words”). Suddenly, General
Alfredo breaks the spell, angrily ordering Roxane to cease her beguilement.
Messner pleads for a temporary solution, but General Alfredo digs in his heels
with a diatribe intended in part to inspire his soldiers (“We’re not temporary
warriors”). Messner, joined variously by Roxane, Gen, Hosokawa, and even
the young soldier, argue for the release of at least the women. During
the argument, General Alfredo addresses the young soldier by name—
Carmen—revealing that she is a woman.
Photo: Andrew Cioffi
The
Bel Canto
set during tech rehearsals, summer, 2015.