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Synopsis
Father Argueda calls everyone together for prayer, and the group sings
a Gregorian chant. With Gen translating, Roxane surreptitiously asks
Carmen to bring Mr. Hosokawa to her room that night (“A prayer”).
Later, in the dark of night, Roxane and Mr. Hosokawa fall into each other’s
arms in Roxane’s room (“Night takes form”), as do Carmen and Gen in a
pantry by the kitchen (“Love in the china closet”).
SCENE 3
Morning. Father Arguedas and the vice president serve coffee to the
hostages. Messner, who has spent the night, tells Roxane they’re at the
point where only a miracle can bring about a peaceful solution (“Another
day”).
General Alfredo signals for the hostages to clear the floor so the soldiers
can play soccer. Roxane protests that it’s time for César’s singing lesson.
General Alfredo agrees to take the game outdoors (“A reckless game”).
With halting attempts to speak each others’ languages, Mr. Hosokawa
and Carmen conspiratorially agree that the previous night was
unforgettable. César warms up his voice with Roxane accompanying him
at the piano (“The coming attack”).
Rumbling arises from inside the house, and three Peruvian soldiers burst
up through the floor. César tries to flee and is shot. A frantic Mr. Hosokowa
tries to protect Carmen, but both are shot. Chaos ensues as more soldiers
storm the room, hostages flee, and gunfire is everywhere. The vice
president orders the soldiers to cease fire. Roxane rushes to Hosakawa,
but he is already dead. Gen finds Carmen, and she dies in his arms
(“Don’t leave me”).
The dead are carried off, and everyone exits except Roxane, who is left
kneeling on the floor in the wake of the violence (“You’re not gone”).
THE END
My pain, my pain, has now rehearsed.
It has resounded in my heart,
and now summons me to sing.
For I have met terror on this land,
but also kindness, humility,
deliverance and love.
I must move forward and ahead…
I must, I must move forward
Like the movement of the days...
–
The last lines of the opera, from Roxane’s final aria
“You’re not gone.”
Photo: Andrew Cioffi
Detail of the
Bel Canto
set; the tally of days.