Margarita la tornera

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Margarita la tornera (Margarita the Gatekeeper) is a Spanish opera by Ruperto Chapí with a libretto by Carlos Fernandez Shaw. It is based on a dramatic poem by José Zorrilla.

[edit] Plot (spoiler included)

The plot is based on an old legend, retold with variations in such plays as Das Mirakel, and Maurice Maeterlinck's Soeur Beatrice. Margarita is a nun, and the gatekeeper at her convent. Don Juan Alarcon, an unscrupulous adventurer, persuades her to run away with him and seduces her. Margarita eventually discovers that she is only one in a series of sexual conquests by Don Juan, and returns to the convent to find that her absence has not been noticed at all. The statue of the Virgin Mary in the convent chapel has come to life and has been taking her place. As Margarita prays for forgiveness, the statue returns to its pedestal. Meanwhile, Don Juan follows, and is miraculously struck down by heavenly lightning.

[edit] Production History

The opera was staged in 1909, but languished in obscurity for many years. Finally, through the efforts of tenor Placido Domingo, who starred in the new production, it was revived in Spain in 1999. This production was subsequently videotaped and shown on Spanish television. A CD of this revival, recorded live, was nominated for a Best Classical Latin Grammy.