The Mandrake

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The Mandrake, (Mandragola) by Niccolò Machiavelli (written in 1518 and first printed in 1524) is an acclaimed satirical play on the corruption of Italian society written while Machiavelli was in exile having plotted against the Medici. The play, alleged to be based on an actual occurrence in 1504, was performed and acclaimed in Venice in 1525 and revised by Machiavelli in 1526, with the addition of music by Philippe Verdelot.

The play concerns Callimaco's desire to bed Lucrezia, the young and beautiful wife of an elderly fool, Nicia, who, above all else, desires a son and heir. Callimaco, masquerading as a doctor, convinces Nicia to drug Lucrezia with mandrake to increase her fertility, but adds the dire warning that the Mandrake will undoubtedly kill the first man to have intercourse with her. Callimaco helpfully suggests to Nicio that an unwitting-fool be found for this purpose. Lucrezia, is eventually convinced to comply with her husband's wishes and finally allows Callimaco into her bed and thereafter accepts him as her lover on a more permanent basis.

Adapted for opera by the composer Ignatz Waghalter The opera, richly melodic and deeply sympathetic in its treatment of human foibles, was premiered at the Deutsches Opernhaus in Berlin on January 23,1914. It was warmly received by the critics. The libretto was written by Paul Eger.