#piave

Overture

Act I:

Scene 1:

A hall in the castle. In the middle of the back wall is a door, with a window to its left. A fireplace burns at right. In front of the window there is a table with books, one of which is very large and has a clasp lock. There is also a large table, where Jorg is sitting alone and reading.

Jorg: Holy Word of God, give us the truth and inspire God’s chosen prophets!

As for you, Stiffelio, as you come home, let your words strike fear into the hearts of God’s enemies on earth as lightning, floods, or storms do!

*He closes the book, gets up, and looks outside.*

He’s back! His wife’s gone to meet him. As for them, Heaven forbid that their love and anything related to that gets in the way of his mission!

*Stiffelio enters with Lina, Stankar, Raffaele, Federico, and Dorotea.*

Stiffelio: At last, I get to see you all again-- my dear wife, my friends…

Jorg: Welcome back, Stiffelio!

Stankar: My son-in-law!

Stankar, Raffaele, Jorg, Federico, and Dorotea: WE’RE ALL SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU AGAIN WE’RE ALL GONNA REMEMBER THIS DAY FOREVER BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU

Dorotea: Hey, one of the boatmen came here earlier because he wanted to see you.

Stiffelio: Did he want to talk about something?

Dorotea: Yes.

Stiffelio: Oh yeah, that was Walter. Good man. He saw something strange a little while ago and wanted my guidance about it.

Stankar, Raffaele, Jorg, Federico, and Dorotea: Can you tell us what he told you?

Stiffelio: Sure! I’m not forbidden to tell you.

So he was crossing the river from here at dawn one day when he saw a window in a tower of this castle open, and then he saw a terrified young man looking out of it.

Stankar: (Wait! I have my suspicions about this!)

Lina and Raffaele: (Oh God, what am I hearing?!)

Jorg: Tell us the rest!

Federico and Dorotea: Well, that’s certainly strange.

Stiffelio: And THEN he saw a woman appear at the window and she looked almost like she had lost her mind. The man hesitated for a second but it seemed fear got the better of him because he stood on the window ledge and then jumped into the river!

Stankar: How long ago was this?

Stiffelio: Eight days ago.

Lina: OH NO OH GOD

Raffaele: (...This is EXACTLY what happened with me…)

Stankar, Jorg, Federico, and Dorotea: Did they figure out who he was?

Stiffelio: *taking a wallet out of his pocket* No, but the man dropped these papers…

Jorg, Federico, and Dorotea: ooh can we see them?

Lina and Raffaele: oh no oh no 

Stankar: What are you going to do with them?

Stiffelio: Well, in order to return them, I’d have to read the papers to find the name of the person who dropped them, and then I’d find out about something that honestly really isn’t my business. My job is to save souls, not to go snooping around in people’s personal documents.

Jorg: So…

Lina and Raffaele: What is he going to do?

Stankar, Jorg, Federico, and Dorotea: What have you decided?

Stiffelio: LET THE PAPERS BURN ALONG WITH THE NAME OF THE GUILTY MAN

*Which he summarily does by throwing them in the fireplace.*

Lina and Raffaele: THANK GOD I CAN BREATHE AGAIN

Stankar, Jorg, Federico, and Dorotea: HE’S SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON

Stiffelio: Let both the sin and the identity of the sinner be buried in the ashes. After all, God has told us we must forgive each other.

Jorg and Federico: His forgiveness is so great that even the memory of the sin has been forgotten (and us talking about it is definitely not an oxymoron)!

Raffaele: *whispering* HEY LINA I REALLY WANT TO MEET WITH YOU AGAIN EVEN THOUGH IT’S NECESSARY TO HIDE AND LIE TO DO SO

Jorg, Federico, and Dorotea: STIFFELIO IS SUCH A GOOD AND PURE AND WONDERFUL PERSON

Stankar: ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh Raffaele I’m not sure what’s going on between you and my daughter but I have my suspicions and if it turns out I’m right and that you’ve destroyed our honor then you will fucking pay for it with your LIFE

Raffaele: *still whispering* I’M GOING TO PUT A LETTER IN THAT BOOK WE HAVE KEYS TO THAT WILL TELL YOU WHERE WE’RE GOING TO MEET NEXT

Lina: Thank God everyone didn’t find out…

Stiffelio: God has said it, it is written: we must forgive each other.

Lina: THANK GOD BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN MOVED BY MY ANGUISH SO IF I’M SAVED THEN I WILL NEVER FALL INTO SIN AGAIN

Friends and Congregation Members: *from outside* LONG LIVE STIFFELIO

Stiffelio: What’s going on?

Jorg: *looking through the window* There are a bunch of happy people coming to see you!

Stiffelio: Why?

Jorg: Duh, because they want to welcome you!

*All of the family friends and members of Stiffelio’s congregation enter.*

Friends and Congregation Members: Where is he? OH THERE HE IS 

HEY STIFFELIO WE HAVE A SONG FOR YOU BECAUSE WE THINK YOU’RE AWESOME BECAUSE YOU’RE THE PRIDE OF AUSTRIA AND GERMANY AND YOU’RE THE BEST AT GETTING RID OF SIN AND YOU FIGHT FOR THE WORD OF GOD THROUGH JUSTICE AND BROTHERLY LOVE AND YOU’LL BE IN OUR HEARTS AND WITH US EVERYWHERE FOREVER

Lina: I HAVE SO MUCH REMORSE AND IT’S ONLY MADE WORSE BECAUSE HE’S SUCH A GOOD PERSON

Stiffelio: EVERYONE THANK YOU BUT REALLY YOU SHOULD ONLY SING HYMNS TO GOD BESIDES THEN THEY’LL RING OUT ACROSS THE WHOLE WORLD

Friends and Congregation Members: WE DIDN’T HEAR WHAT YOU JUST SAID SO WE’RE GONNA KEEP SINGING OUR SONG

Raffaele: (His goodness should make me feel remorse, but...meh, it doesn’t. Besides, there is so much pleasure to be had!)

Stankar: His virtue should make Lina feel remorse...that and a father watching closely over her should do the trick.

*Lina collapses into a chair by the table; everyone else except Stiffelio follows Stankar into the next room.*

Stiffelio: She hasn’t said anything to me, or even looked at me…

Well, we’re alone together at last.

Lina: Rodolfo! Oh, sorry, forgive me: I’m still not accustomed to calling you by your real name…

Rodolfo Müller...that dear name you used when you first came to us...the first name I ever called you...when you were fleeing your persecutors and my father welcomed you into his home... **

Stiffelio: I was so unhappy without you!

Lina: But...out in the world, you had success, you must have had triumphs and pleasures…

Stiffelio: Pleasures? You’re sorely mistaken. You weren’t with me...so let me tell you what it was really like.

Everywhere I saw virtue being oppressed, young and old alike enslaved to depravity, greed reigning, justice mocked...in short, humanity adrift in a sea of sin.

Lina: THAT’S HORRIBLE

Stiffelio: And worst of all, everywhere married women, who you know are supposed to be faithful and modest, were being unfaithful to their husbands--

Lina: Ah!

Stiffelio: I know. I’m sorry. It’s all so horrible...but I see you again and I’m reminded there is still faithfulness and goodness in this world…

Lina: WHAT ARE YOU SAYING

Stiffelio: The truth, of course. But on the extreme off-chance I am ever betrayed like that, woe to the betrayer!

Lina: You are such a good person…

*she starts getting overwhelmed by emotion*

...and surely if that happened you would be forgiving?

Stiffelio: Well, no. It’s easy for a heart that hasn’t been broken to forgive, but in every soul there is a hidden treasure that no one can destroy without serious consequences. And for people who are married, that treasure is their faithfulness to one another…

*Lina, devastated for obvious reasons, starts sobbing.*

But you’re crying and shaking! Something is troubling you, I can tell. Please, whatever it is, just tell me. Talk to me.

Lina: No…

Stiffelio: No? Then at least would you smile for me? Remember, today is a happy day; it’s our wedding anniversary!

Lina: I know…(this hurts too much!)

Stiffelio: Just think, today my mother looks down from Heaven and blesses us…

*He takes her hands in his.*

Today, her ring…

*He notices that she is not wearing the ring.*

wait, WHERE’S THE RING?!?!?!?!?!

Lina: OH NO

Stiffelio: IT’S NOT THERE YOU HAVE TO TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED TO IT

Lina: To the ring?

Stiffelio: YES I’M IMMEDIATELY GOING TO ASSUME YOU GAVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE FOR WHATEVER REASON SO WHO DID YOU GIVE IT TO

Lina: OH MY GOD THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING

Stiffelio: OH I CAN SEE YOUR REMORSE BECAUSE IT’S PRACTICALLY WRITTEN ON YOUR FACE AND YOUR SILENCE ONLY FURTHER PROVES THAT YOU’RE GUILTY OF SOMETHING ALTHOUGH I DON’T KNOW WHAT BUT IF I HAVE BEEN WRONGED MAY I BE STRUCK WITH LIGHTNING AND THEN SINK INTO THE GROUND AND HAVE ALL CREATION TURNED AGAINST ME

Lina: HIS ANGER TERRIFIES ME

*Stankar unexpectedly comes in.*

Stankar: Müller?

Stiffelio: WHAT IS IT

Stankar: Your friends are waiting for you.

Stiffelio: CAN I GET A SINGLE MOMENT TO MYSELF AROUND HERE

Stankar: ...Why are you so angry?

Stiffelio: ...Forgive me. Let’s go.

And as for you, Lina, I will be back soon. But if you have betrayed me...

Lina and Stankar: HIS ANGER REALLY TERRIFIES ME

*Stiffelio and Stankar leave.*

Lina: He said he’d be back soon...I’m done for! How could I possibly explain this away? My remorse keeps me from saying anything, and besides, what could I even say? I’M A HORRIBLE PERSON AND I’VE BEEN BETRAYED AND NO ONE ON EARTH CAN SAVE ME FROM ALL THIS

MERCIFUL GOD SEE MY ANGUISH AND PLEASE FORGIVE ME AND LET HIM FORGIVE ME TOO OR ELSE LET ME PAY FOR MY SHAME WITH MY LIFE

He’ll be coming back...and I’ll have to answer him somehow! But how? What should I say? Should I go ahead and tell him everything? Well...no. I’ll tell him everything, but in a letter.

*She sits down and starts to write a letter.*

“Rodolfo…” AGH I CAN’T DO THIS yes you can Lina you need to

*As she goes back to writing, Stankar comes back in.*

Stankar: I need to get to the bottom of all this.

*He sees Lina.*

Ah, there she is!

Lina: ...that isn’t right, this isn’t what I want to say or how to say it…

*Stankar approaches Lina slowly and suddenly places his hand on the letter.*

Stankar: A letter! You’re writing to Raffaele again, aren’t you?

*He grabs the paper.*

Lina: WHAT NO

Stankar: Shut up.

*He starts to read the letter.*

“Rodolfo, I am no longer worthy of you--”

SO I WAS RIGHT ABOUT YOU AND RAFFAELE HAVING AN AFFAIR

Lina: PLEASE I CAN’T KEEP QUIET ABOUT THIS ANYMORE IT’S TOO MUCH TO BEAR

Stankar: Okay, first off: who breaks up with someone via letter???

Lina: Dad-- 

Stankar: More importantly, IF STIFFELIO FINDS OUT ABOUT ALL THIS THEN HE’LL FALL INTO DESPAIR AND DIE ***

Lina: NO! Dear God, I want him to live, but I CAN’T LIE TO HIM ABOUT THIS

Stankar: Fine. But tell him that you’re too weak to put your sin behind you and too afraid of your own guilt. Tell him that you think it’s easier for YOU to tell him you betrayed him even though YOU KNOW IT WOULD KILL HIM. 

I mean, look at you: as if it weren’t enough that you committed adultery and risk bringing dishonor upon us all if anyone finds out about this, you have to go and be a coward as well!

Lina: DAD STOP

Stankar: Listen to me. You will save your husband. YOU ARE UNWORTHY OF HIS LOVE BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO KEEP UP APPEARANCES THAT EVERYTHING IS FINE OR ELSE WE’RE ALL RUINED

Lina: NO

Stankar: I AM YOUR FATHER YOU MUST OBEY ME IT’S EVEN IN THE BIBLE EXCEPT GIVEN RECENT EVENTS YOU’RE NOT PARTICULARLY GOOD AT FOLLOWING THAT

Lina: NO STOP IT

Stankar: BUT--

Lina: NEVER

Stankar: NEVER???

Lina: NEVER!!!

Stankar: NEVER?!?!?!?!

Lina: NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stankar: Well, consider this: in order to keep up appearances and save my own honor, you know what I have to do? I’ll have to keep all my anger and shame bottled up inside me and pretend everything is fine and still call you my daughter, even though I DESPISE YOU BECAUSE YOU HAVE BROUGHT DISHONOR UPON ME

Lina: THIS IS HORRIBLE WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME SUFFER LIKE THIS WHEN I’VE REPENTED AND YOU CAN SEE ME CRYING AND ALSO I NEED TO POINT OUT THAT I DID NOT SIN OF MY OWN FREE WILL ****

Stankar: YOU DISHONORED ME AND I AM SO ASHAMED OF YOU

Lina: I DIDN’T DO IT WILLINGLY

Stankar: Enough. Stop your blubbering.

Lina: DAD NO STOP I CAN’T

Stankar: You must.

Lina: BUT I CAN’T

Stankar: LET ME REMIND YOU THAT YOU MUST OBEY ME

Lina: BUT I CAN’T KEEP SILENT

Stankar: You must. It will be the one duty as a wife that you haven’t fucked up. And for your husband’s sake, you must keep it that way.

Lina: Fine. I’ll keep silent.

Stankar: Good.

Lina: (Who will help me???)

Stankar: Stop crying and come with me. No one, and I mean no one, must even suspect what’s happened with you and Raffaele. So let’s bury the truth because our honor demands it, and if Stiffelio has lost your love...make sure he never knows. Let him have the love of his flock as consolation. But he especially must never know.

Lina: This is all too much...I’ve lost him forever...fine. I’ll stop crying and put on a happy face and pretend I’m not dying inside. But I’ve lost my husband forever, even though I’ve always loved him!

*They leave together. Raffaele enters, looking a little miffed.*

Raffaele: Everyone’s avoiding meeeeeeeeeee I don’t understand whyyyyyyyy (I mean, there’s no way that it could be because of my personality or behavior or anything) but I wanna have a rendez-vous with Lina so I’m gonna leave her a note! 

*He takes a note out of his pocket.*

Here’s the book. She and I are the only ones who have keys to it. It’s FOOLPROOF!

*He unlocks the book. Jorg approaches from the other side of the window.*

Jorg: IT’S TIME FOR A VIBE CHECK oh wait what’s this???

*He watches as Raffaele places the note inside the book and locks it.*

This does not pass the vibe check.

*Federico enters and Jorg continues watching.*

Federico: Raffaele?

Raffaele: Yello?

Federico: Oh hey, you have it. Klopstock’s Messiah, right? Yeah. Uh...we need that book like right now. *****

Raffaele: oh shit i thought this was foolproof uhhhhh Raffaele play this cool

*Federico takes the book. He and Raffaele leave together as Jorg watches disapprovingly.*

Notes

Scene 2:

A reception hall in the castle, brightly lit and prepared for a party celebrating Stiffelio’s return. The guests (friends of the family and members of the congregation) are mingling and having a good old time.

Guests: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY STIFFELIO’S BACK WE’RE SO HAPPY we really hope that everything here will be full of joy and peace and just as much love as he spreads to people because it makes everyone equal regardless of social class anyway LET’S ALL SING AND SHOW HIM HOW HAPPY WE ARE AND HOW MUCH WE LOVE HIM

*They move to the back of the hall as Jorg enters and finds Stiffelio.*

Stiffelio: You’re late! Where were you?

Jorg: These parties are too worldly for me.

Stiffelio: Even an innocent celebration like this? 

Jorg: You think it may be innocent, but even something like this can be the cause of sin.

Guests: ...we really hope that everything here will be full of joy and peace…

Stiffelio: Anyway, if you’re so scornful of these parties, then why are you here?

Jorg: I need to tell you something.

Stiffelio: What is it?

Jorg: I was going to do one of my vibe checks--

Stiffelio: What is a “vibe check”?

Jorg: I’m older than you; how do you not know what a vibe check is?

Stiffelio: ...The point is?

Jorg: The point is that when I was going to do my vibe check, when I saw this guy place this note inside a book and lock it and he was obviously worried about getting caught--

Stiffelio: A note? 

Jorg: --and awaiting a reply to that note. I think there is some sin afoot.

Stiffelio: Oh God! Who?

*Lina, Raffaele, Dorotea, and Federico (who is carrying the book) enter with some friends.*

Jorg: The guy with the book, right there, talking to Lina.

Stiffelio: FEDERICO?!?! How do I confirm this?

Jorg: We can figure that out later.

*Stiffelio falls into deep thought.*

Dorotea: Hey, whatcha doin’ there, Stiffelio? Planning your new sermon?

Federico: We’re going to have a special meeting at the church tonight!

Guests: AND WE’LL ALL BE THERE TOO

Federico: Sneak preview- what’s the topic?

Stiffelio: Judas’ betrayal.

Lina and Raffaele: oh friiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick.

Federico: THAT’S A GREAT TOPIC

Guests: YEAH BECAUSE THE WICKED WILL TREMBLE

Stiffelio: ...You want me to give a preview?

Guests: Sure!

Stiffelio: Alright, then…

So in this sermon I’m planning, I’m going to talk about Judas, yes, but also more broadly. I’m going to condemn all betrayers. Especially the ones who use their cunning to be homewreckers, and ESPECIALLY the very ones who are oh so friendly and hold out their hand for you to your face while bragging about how they’ve betrayed you behind your back! And I will hurl a curse upon them-- the very curse of betrayers in that book!

*He grabs the book from Federico and unsuccessfully attempts to open it.*

It’s locked!

Dorotea: HEY I DON’T KNOW IF THIS HELPS AT ALL BUT LINA HAS A KEY TO THAT BOOK

Lina: OH GOD DOROTEA STOP

Stiffelio: OPEN IT THEN

Lina: you want me to WHAT

Stiffelio: I WANT YOU TO OPEN IT

Lina: ME???

Stiffelio: YOU CAN BE AFRAID ALL YOU WANT BUT THAT’S NOT GONNA CHANGE THE FACT THAT YOU’RE GONNA UNLOCK THIS BOOK BECAUSE THERE IS DAMNING PROOF OF A BETRAYER LOCKED INSIDE

*Everyone freezes and internally panics.*

OKAY NOW I’M INTERNALLY PANICKING BECAUSE MY MIND IS GOING ALL OVER THE PLACE AND BECAUSE THERE’S SOME HORRIBLE SECRET INSIDE THAT BOOK

Everyone Else: WE’RE ALL INTERNALLY PANICKING NOW TOO BECAUSE IT’S ALMOST TOO TERRIBLE TO THINK ABOUT WHAT HORRIBLE SECRET IS INSIDE THAT BOOK

Everyone: WHATEVER THIS SECRET IS IT’S GOING TO BE REALLY BAD AND PROBABLY RUIN PEOPLE’S LIVES

Stiffelio: You won’t open it? Fine, I’ll go ahead and open it myself.

*He breaks the lock, opening the book. Raffaele’s note falls out of the book and onto the floor.*

A note!

Lina: (Oh God!)

*Stankar immediately grabs the note.*

Stankar: YOU DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT TO READ THIS AND YOU’RE NOT GONNA FIND OUT WHO WROTE IT OR TO WHOM IT WAS ADDRESSED

Stiffelio: I WANT THAT NOTE GIVE IT BACK

Stankar: I am an old man, so you’d best treat me with some respect.

Stiffelio: GIVE IT BACK

Stankar: NO!

Stiffelio: GIVE IT BACK

Stankar: NO!!!!!!!

Stiffelio: I WILL NOT SAY THIS AGAIN GIVE IT--

Stankar: *ripping up the note* HOW ABOUT NOPE

Stiffelio: WHO WILL SAVE YOU FROM MY ANGER BECAUSE YOU ARE A HORRIBLE PERSON AND I’M REALLY REALLY ANGRY AND I CAN’T HOLD MY ANGER BACK ANYMORE

Lina: *intervening* DON’T DO THIS TO MY FATHER IF YOU WANT TO GET REALLY REALLY ANGRY AT SOMEONE GET ANGRY AT ME ESPECIALLY BECAUSE MY FATHER IS OLD (no offense, Dad)

Stankar: *whispering* Raffaele, I officially challenge you to a duel tonight in the cemetery.

Raffaele: *whispering* CALM DOWN FOR FIVE SECONDS 

Stankar: Choose your weapons because we are going to fight, you traitor.

Raffaele: I’m not afraid of you, but you need to keep in mind who I am, mm’kay?

Jorg, Dorotea, Federico, and Guests: EVERYTHING WAS GOING JUST FINE SO WHY DID A DEMON HAVE TO COME MAKE STIFFELIO BE SO SUSPICIOUS OF EVERYONE

Raffaele: Besides, you shouldn’t be calling me a traitor because I’m not a traitor.

Stankar: KEEP TELLING YOURSELF THAT BUT IT WON’T CHANGE ANYTHING

Guests: THIS IS JUST SO MESSED UP WHY WOULD ANYONE TRY TO MESS WITH STIFFELIO???

*Stiffelio and Jorg leave together through the doors on the right; Lina and Stankar leave together through the doors on the left; everyone else leaves through the doors in the middle of the back wall.*

Act II:

That night, at the castle cemetery. Center stage is a cross with several steps in front of it; to the left is a staircase leading to a church lit from within. At right in the distance is an entrance to the castle. The moon illuminates the graves, which are shaded by cypress trees. One of the graves looks more recent. Lina enters from the back.

Lina: Oh God, where am I? Something has brought me here...but what? Raffaele will be here...here??? This place is too awful! And I don’t want to meet him here, but I must…

I CAN SEE WHAT I’VE DONE CARVED INTO EVERY GRAVESTONE AND THE WIND SOUNDS LIKE A VOICE CONDEMNING ME

*She wanders through the cemetery before stopping at one of the graves.*

My mother’s grave! She was so pure and good...and I...MOTHER PLEASE HELP ME

Please, I’m begging you, take just a moment, look down on me from Heaven...and bring my tears to God, and add yours to them if blessed souls can still weep in paradise...because you are so good, for your sake God will not deny me His forgiveness! And that’s about the last hope I have.

*Raffaele enters.*

Raffaele: HI LINA

Lina: shhhhhhhhhhhh what are you doing besides I know my father is nearby and also my husband is suspicious and he’s probably guessed most if not all of it--

Raffaele: He suspects only Federico because your father destroyed that note.

Lina: Do you have any sense of remorse whatsoever? Because I’ll probably have it for all eternity.

Raffaele: I’m acting in service of love; why should I be afraid of it?

Lina: I was caught unaware then; besides, you do realize that I do not love you and that I have never loved you, right?

Raffaele: BUT I LOVE YOU

Lina: If that’s true, then prove it. Give me back my wedding ring and my letters, leave at once, and never come within my sight again.

Raffaele: NO I’M NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP NEVER GONNA LET YOU DOWN--

Lina: THAT’S NOT EVEN A GOOD SONG

Raffaele: I’M GONNA STAY HERE AND DEFEND YOU

Lina: LEAVE

Raffaele: NO I’M STAYING HERE WITH YOU

Lina: ONCE AGAIN, LEAVE

Raffaele: ONCE AGAIN, NO I’M STAYING HERE WITH YOU

Lina: OH SO YOU WANT TO DESTROY ME EVEN MORE AFTER I’VE BEEN HURT AND BETRAYED BECAUSE IF YOU STAY HERE THEN MY LIFE WILL JUST BE ME WEEPING UNTIL I DIE BUT EVEN THOUGH I WAS ONCE HAPPY AND YOU RUINED THAT I WILL BLESS YOU IF YOU LEAVE

You’re still standing there, so I’m just going to say that all again in case you didn’t get the hint the first time.

OH SO YOU WANT TO DESTROY ME EVEN MORE AFTER I’VE BEEN HURT AND BETRAYED BECAUSE IF YOU STAY HERE THEN MY LIFE WILL JUST BE ME WEEPING UNTIL I DIE BUT EVEN THOUGH I WAS ONCE HAPPY AND YOU RUINED THAT I WILL BLESS YOU IF YOU LEAVE

Raffaele: NOPE I’M STAYING HERE

Lina: FINE THEN I’M GONNA TELL STIFFELIO EVERYTHING

*Unexpectedly, Stankar appears at the cemetery gate, holding two swords.*

Stankar: NO YOU’RE NOT

Lina: DAD--

Stankar: LEAVE

Lina: Dad, I can see in your eyes that--

Stankar: Obey.

*Lina leaves. Stankar throws off his cloak and presents the two swords.*

Choose one!

Raffaele: ...Are we having a duel?

Stankar: WE ALREADY TALKED ABOUT THIS THE ANSWER IS YES AND IT’S TO THE DEATH

Raffaele: I hate to say it (actually I don’t), but this ain’t a fair fight.

Stankar: You refuse a duel challenge? Fine, I’ll insult you in front of everyone and God.

Raffaele: Well, I’m not afraid of your empty threats. Besides, I’ll win some respect for saving a man as old as you from meeting death in a duel.

Stankar: YOU ARE A COWARD AND A HORRIBLE HORRIBLE PERSON

...You’re still not angry and offended enough to fight? Do you have any sense of honor whatsoever?

Raffaele: I am merely patient, sir. Perhaps you should take a tip.

Stankar: I AM SO PISSED OFF RIGHT NOW AND YOU ARE GOING TO LISTEN TO ME

Raffaele: Enough of this nonsense.

Stankar: Very well, I have only one more thing to say to you. 

If no insult of mine, not even calling you a coward, affects you in the slightest, then I still have one thing up my sleeve: I will make sure that everyone knows who you really are.

Raffaele: Enough of this, Stankar!

Stankar: You are an adventurer who seeks to hide the truth about yourself. You claim you are a Count, that you are of noble lineage...but I know that you are not a nobleman; you are nothing but a foundling!

Raffaele: THAT’S IT GIVE ME A SWORD NOW

*He takes a sword.*

Stankar: AT LAST

Raffaele: EN GARDE

Stankar: TO THE DEATH

Stankar and Raffaele: TO THE DEATH THEN

*They get ready to fight.*

THERE IS NO DEMON OR GOD THAT CAN SAVE YOU FROM ME BECAUSE YOUR BLOOD AND MY ANGER ALONE CAN END THIS SHAME YOU HAVE INFLICTED UPON ME

*They start fighting, when all of a sudden, from the doors of the church:*

Stiffelio: WHAT’S THAT NOISE

*He rushes down the stairs into the cemetery.*

A DUEL?!?!?!?!?! PUT DOWN YOUR SWORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stankar and Raffaele: STIFFELIO WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE

*They put down their swords.*

Stiffelio: Seriously, you two?

You are profaning sacred ground with your duel! You’re trampling on hallowed graves with your feet and you’re even daring to fight with the cross standing above your heads!

Stankar: Fine. We’ll go finish this elsewhere.

Stiffelio: You know who else is going to be there, no matter where you go?

Stankar: ...I certainly hope not you.

Stiffelio: Wrong answer. I meant God.

Stankar and Raffaele: LEAVE US ALONE ONE OF US NEEDS TO DIE

Stiffelio: And as for your earlier comment, I too will know how to be wherever you may go in order to prevent further fighting.

Stankar: Have you forgotten to whom you are speaking? I am a nobleman and a decorated veteran and your father-in-law--

Stiffelio: And I am speaking in the name of God, so you’d best both stop protesting and listen to me. Drop your weapons.

Whatever the reason for this duel may be, let it be forgotten; we must forgive each other…

Stankar: NEVER

Stiffelio: Let’s shake hands and forget and forgive all this. Raffaele, you are younger, so give me your hand…

*He disarms Raffaele, who reluctantly holds out his hand so Stiffelio can take it.*

Stankar: WHAT AN UNPRECEDENTED INSULT RAFFAELE HOW DARE YOU TAKE THE HAND OF THE MAN YOU BETRAYED

Stiffelio: wait WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Stankar: OH FUCK DID I ACTUALLY JUST SAY THAT

Stiffelio: TELL ME WHAT YOU MEAN 

Stankar: NO LEAVE ME ALONE AND FORGET THE LAST THIRTY SECONDS EVER HAPPENED

Stiffelio: I WANT TO KNOW TELL ME EVERYTHING

*And in spectacularly bad timing, Lina returns at that exact moment.*

Lina: I HEARD WEAPONS WHAT’S GOING ON HERE

Stiffelio: THIS MYSTERY NEEDS TO BE SOLVED

Lina: OH GOD 

Stankar and Raffaele: LINA WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE

Stiffelio: I WILL HAVE THE TRUTH AT LAST

Lina: FORGIVE ME RODOLFO

Stiffelio: ...Forgive you? Why?

*And then he looks at Raffaele and starts to put it all together.*

So it was that man who…

Stankar: Müller…

Stiffelio: SO IT WAS TRUE???

No...it can’t be...Lina, please, at least tell me it’s a lie...say even one word and tell me it isn’t true...for mercy’s sake, exonerate yourself, all you have to do is say a single word…

*Lina, in despair and unable to exonerate herself for obvious reasons, remains silent.*

But you remain silent...you remain silent...OH GOD YOU ACTUALLY HAD AN AFFAIR WITH HIM AND I CAN’T BELIEVE OTHERWISE ANYMORE AND NOW I WANT TO KILL YOU

Lina: I knew this would happen...it was waiting to burst over my head at any second...now the storm has come…

Stankar: RAFFAELE GOD HAS WRITTEN YOUR FATE WITH MY DAUGHTER’S TEARS

Raffaele: Well, I’m ready to take whatever fate has in store for me.

Lina: THE REST OF MY LIFE IS JUST GOING TO BE A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH

Stankar: YOU ARE GUILTY OF SOMETHING HORRIBLE AND IT WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED ANY LONGER

Raffaele: So what are you waiting for?

Lina: GOD YOU ARE THE FATHER OF ALL WRETCHED SOULS PLEASE DO NOT DENY ME YOUR MERCY

Stiffelio: I’M STILL HOLDING OUT ON THE TINIEST SCRAP OF HOPE LINA PLEASE TELL ME IT’S A LIE

Raffaele: STANKAR YOU’RE GOING TO LEARN THAT I’M NOT A COWARD

Stankar: YOU’RE VERY LUCKY THAT ALL THIS SAVED ME FROM KILLING YOU FOR THE MOMENT BUT MY WRATH IS ONLY GOING TO COME DOWN ON YOU EVEN STRONGER FOR IT

Stiffelio: OH GOD YOU ACTUALLY HAD AN AFFAIR WITH HIM AND I CAN’T BELIEVE OTHERWISE ANYMORE AND NOW I WANT TO KILL YOU

Lina: DEAR GOD PLEASE DO NOT DENY ME YOUR MERCY

Stankar: You need to understand that Lina is not the one you need to punish here.

Stiffelio: OH I KNOW WHO’S THE GUILTY ONE HERE AND I SEE THAT YOU WERE JUST TRYING TO AVENGE MY HONOR

*He grabs Stankar’s sword.*

ENOUGH OF THIS RAFFAELE TAKE YOUR SWORD

Raffaele: Against YOU????? I DON’T WANT TO

Stiffelio: DEFEND YOURSELF

Raffaele: I DON’T WANNA

Stiffelio: DO YOU NOT HEAR THE DEAD CRYING OUT AT YOU??? TREMBLE YOU TRAITOR BECAUSE YOU ARE GOING TO BE PUNISHED FOR WHAT YOU’VE DONE AND YOUR TIME HAS COME

*He makes to stab Raffaele but the congregation starts singing from within the church. At that moment, Jorg steps out from the church.*

Congregation Members: O LORD DO NOT PUNISH ME IN YOUR ANGER OR ELSE I WILL BE DONE FOR…

Jorg: Stiffelio?

*Stiffelio lets the sword fall from his hands.*

Stiffelio: What’s that sound?

Jorg: *coming over to him* That’s your congregation.

Congregation Members: ...HAVE MERCY ON ME AND I WILL SING YOUR PRAISES FOREVER

Stiffelio: ...What do they want?

Jorg: They’re asking for comfort.

Stiffelio: Comfort?

Jorg: Come back to your senses.

Stiffelio: *almost delirious* I’M IN DESPAIR AND I’M BURNING WITH A FURY THAT CAN ONLY COME FROM HELL QUICK SOMEONE PUT A CALM AND COLD HAND ON ME BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE THAT’S THE ONLY THING THAT CAN STOP IT SO MAKE MY VEINS WITHER AND MY BLOOD TURN COLD AND ONLY THEN CAN MY STRENGTH OVERCOME IT ALL BUT ALSO I’LL PROBABLY BE DEAD BY THAT POINT SO EVERYONE JUST LEAVE ME BECAUSE MY HEART HAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED

Congregation Members: *still singing inside the church* Dear Lord, do not punish me in Your anger…

Jorg: Do you not hear them?

Congregation Members: ...or I shall melt away as mists before the sun…

Stiffelio, Lina, and Stankar: This is all too horrible…

Congregation Members: ...have mercy on me, Lord...

Jorg: Lift up your thoughts to God and remember who you are!

Congregation Members: ...and I will sing Your praises forever!

*They continue singing these lines for the remainder of the act.*

Stiffelio: ...I am a minister!

*He kneels.*

Dear God, I don’t know what I’m going to say to them anymore, inspire me, tell me what I should speak about tomorrow…

Lina, Stankar, Raffaele, and Jorg: About peace and forgiveness…

Stiffelio: *rising* About FORGIVENESS??? NEVER!!! LET THE ADULTERESS BE DAMNED

Lina, Stankar, and Raffaele: OH GOD

*Lina collapses at Stiffelio’s feet as Jorg climbs up the central steps.*

Jorg: Stiffelio, remember, by this cross Christ forgave all humanity.

*Stiffelio staggers towards the cross.*

Stiffelio: The cross...my blood is turning cold...I’m dying…

*He faints.*

Lina, Stankar, Raffaele, and Jorg: Poor soul!

Act III:

Scene 1:

The next morning. An antechamber with doors to several other rooms. There is a table, on which are placed two pistols and writing utensils. Stankar enters while reading a letter.

Stankar: He’s FLED?! And as if THAT weren’t enough, HE WROTE LINA THIS LETTER TO TRY TO GET HER TO FOLLOW HIM AND NOW HE’S ESCAPED MY REVENGE

*He picks up his sword.*

You were at my side for so many years and you won me glory in all my battles, but GET AWAY FROM ME BECAUSE I AM NO LONGER WORTHY OF YOU

*He throws it to the ground.*

I’M NO LONGER WORTHY OF YOU BECAUSE I AM DISHONORED 

...And what is life without honor? It’s a DISGRACE SO LET ME TAKE MY OWN LIFE AND LET IT ALL BE OVER IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

*He picks up one of the pistols to shoot himself, but stops.*

But to leave everything and everyone behind...Stiffelio...my daughter...my guilty daughter! 

*He starts crying.*

A tear? In MY eyes? The eyes of a SOLDIER??? The fact that I’m even crying...that’s all you need to know about how great my sorrow is…

Lina, I thought that when you were born, Heaven had sent me an angel, a ray of sunshine, the purest kind of love to comfort me in my old age...but it was all a dream, a foolish dream! And now all the joy I once had in my life is gone! 

When I lie dying someday, the righteous won’t weep for me... all that will follow my coffin is dishonor! Now let me end it all!

*He sits down and starts to write a suicide note.*

Farewell, Stiffelio! Farewell forever…

*He finishes the note and picks up the pistol once again. Jorg enters.*

Jorg: TIME FOR ANOTHER VIBE CHECK

Stankar: CAN’T YOU SEE I’M IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING

*He puts the pistol down.*

Jorg: ...That does not pass the vibe check. Anyway, I was just stopping by to ask you where Stiffelio is.

Stankar: He’s in his room and he doesn’t want to see anyone.

Jorg: Well, he will when I tell him that I found Raffaele--

Stankar: wait WHAT

Jorg: --and he’ll be here shortly.

*He goes into Stiffelio’s room.*

Stankar: He’ll be here shortly??? HE’LL BE HERE SHORTLY??? HE’LL BE COMING HERE!!! Well then, one of us will die here today!!!

I FEEL SO MUCH JOY THAT I CANNOT EXPRESS AND MY HEART IS BEATING TOO QUICKLY AND I FEEL SO ECSTATIC THAT I MIGHT BE LOSING MY MIND AND I CAN BARELY BREATHE BUT OH WHAT JOY BECAUSE REVENGE IS SO CLOSE I CAN FEEL IT AND I WILL BE REBORN

*He leaves. Stiffelio enters from his room with Jorg close behind.*

Stiffelio: Tell everyone I will be at church shortly. Now leave, please.

Jorg: He’s here.

*He leaves. Raffaele enters.*

Raffaele: Well, this is awkward...you wanted to see me?

Stiffelio: Yes.

Raffele: Go ahead, I know you’re going to read me the riot act--

Stiffelio: Not a word.

Raffaele: Uh, well, then, if you want revenge, then I guess go ahead and take it.

Stiffelio: I have only brought you here to ask you a single question.

Raffaele: Uh...what is it?

Stiffelio: My question is: what would you do if Lina were free to marry?

Raffaele: What are you saying?!

Stiffelio: I asked you a question. Answer it.

Raffaele: Um...isn’t that kinda impossible??? **

Stiffelio: Fritz!

*Fritz the loveable non-singing servant makes his only onstage appearance.*

Please tell Lina that I am waiting here and would like to see her.

*Fritz leaves and thus disappears from the opera.*

Raffaele: What are you trying to find out here?

Stiffelio: Oh, just whether your libertine lifestyle or the future of the woman you have ruined is more important to you, that’s all.

*pointing to one of the doors* Go into that room and you will hear everything you need to know.

Raffaele: (oh shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.)

*He complies. Lina enters.*

Stiffelio: Given that we’re parting ways, we need to have this conversation.

Lina: You’re leaving?

Stiffelio: Tonight. 

Lina: But why?

Stiffelio: Listen.

From this point forward, we must go our separate ways. I have resigned myself to my way: I will go down my path and live only for God. Your way must be to marry the man you have chosen and save yourself from dishonor.

Lina: What are you saying?

Stiffelio: When we were married, I was being persecuted everywhere, so I signed the marital contract under an assumed name. Under the law, this means that our marriage can be dissolved. And here is what will do it. ***

*He presents her with a bill of divorce.*

Lina: OH MY GOD WE’RE GETTING A DIVORCE?!?!?!?!?!

Stiffelio: I’ve already signed it. Sign your name next to mine.

Lina: RODOLFO I KNEW THAT I WAS GOING TO GET A FATAL BLOW HERE BUT I THOUGHT THAT I WAS AT BARE MINIMUM WORTHY OF REPROACH BUT INSTEAD ALL I GET FROM YOU IS HORRIBLE BITTER CONTEMPT SO GO AHEAD AND KILL ME BECAUSE I WOULD DIE FOR YOUR LOVE

*She starts sobbing.*

Stiffelio: Oh, I see. You hoped that by crying, you would make me less upset. You really thought that it could make everyone forget what you’ve done? You really thought that it would make me not care about the dishonor you have brought upon us and welcome you back? Well, YOU’RE WRONG BECAUSE OFFENSES TO HONOR LAST AS LONG AS OUR VERY SOULS

Lina: FINE GIVE ME THAT PAPER

*She takes the bill of divorce from him and sits down at the table.*

Stiffelio: You’re signing it?

Lina: Yes.

Stiffelio: After all that...ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!

*Lina signs the bill and hands it to him.*

Lina: You thought my tears were insincere. Here is the proof that they are not: I would rather divorce you and convince you of my sincerity than not divorce you and you live the rest of your life not knowing the truth. We are both free now and there is nothing between us anymore. Now I can tell you…

*Stiffelio turns to leave.*

No, listen!

Stiffelio: NO MORE OF THIS

Lina: I WANT YOU TO LISTEN TO ME

*She holds him back from leaving.*

Now I turn to you, not as my husband, but as a minister, because even sinners and criminals can be welcomed into heaven...and I beg you to listen to me, not as your wife, but as a sinner.

Stiffelio: PLEASE JUST GO

Lina: NO LET ME CONFESS EVERYTHING

*She throws herself at his feet.*

Stiffelio: What? You? What am I going to hear?

Lina: What my husband did not want to hear.

My husband offered an agreement to make me the wife of another man...as if I could ever find any peace in this world after losing him...as if I would be fine with paying that price just to regain my honor...AS IF I COULD LIVE KNOWING THAT HE DESPISES ME…

Stiffelio: Enough of this, please…

Lina: To be the wife of another man! So you don’t understand how much I love you--

Stiffelio: LOVE??? What do you MEAN, “LOVE”???

Lina: I have always loved you--

Stiffelio: What are you saying???

Lina: I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED YOU--

Stiffelio: WHAT ARE YOU EVEN SAYING???

Lina: --AND I STILL LOVE YOU!!! And I call upon God as my witness.

Stiffelio: BUT WHAT ABOUT RAFFAELE

Lina: HE BETRAYED ME

Stiffelio: HE BETRAYED YOU???

Lina: YES

Stiffelio: WELL LET HIM DIE THEN AND I HAVE THE RIGHT TO KILL HIM--

Lina: OH MY GOD

Stiffelio: HE’S IN THERE--

*He goes towards the room where Raffaele was, but at that moment, Stankar emerges from the room, holding a sword covered in blood.*

Stankar: He is no more.

Lina: wait WHAT

*Jorg enters from another door.*

Jorg: DID YOU MURDER HIM

Stiffelio: WERE YOU TWO DUELING AGAIN

Stankar: I made him atone for what he’s done. Besides, he could have revealed everything to everyone else and now he can’t do that because he’s dead.

*He leaves.*

Jorg: Come with me to the church; you’ll find strength there…

Stiffelio: YES LET’S GO THERE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE ALL THIS PLACE HAS ARE SIN AND DEATH LET IT STAND AS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL SEDUCERS ABOUT HOW THEIR ACTIONS CAN RUIN LIVES BECAUSE GOD HAS CURSED THIS PLACE AND STRUCK IT WITH DISGRACE

Lina: NO ONE ON EARTH CAN EASE MY SORROW AND I WILL NEVER BE FORGIVEN FOR THIS PLEASE MERCIFUL GOD GIVE ME YOUR FORGIVENESS I’M BEGGING YOU FROM MY HEART WHICH NEVER SINNED BECAUSE I DIDN’T WANT ANY OF THIS

Stiffelio: GOD HAS CURSED THIS PLACE AND STRUCK IT WITH DISGRACE

Lina: I WILL NEVER BE FORGIVEN FOR THIS EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT SIN OF MY OWN FREE WILL

*Stiffelio is led out by Jorg; Lina goes into one of the rooms.*

WARNING:

If you have not seen this opera, I strongly recommend that you stop here and click on “Scene 2″ right below this, which will take you to a video of the final scene, and then watch it. DO NOT READ AHEAD. If you do before watching the scene, do not pass go, do not collect $200, go straight to Monopoly Jail.

But seriously, if you’re unfamiliar with this opera, do NOT read the final scene before you watch it. You will thank me later.

Scene 2:

Later that morning. The interior of the castle church, in the Gothic style. A pulpit stands at center with a staircase leading up to it. The congregation enters little by little as an organ plays. Federico and Dorotea enter. Then Lina, covered by a veil, enters at right; Stankar enters at left. Everyone kneels and begins to sing.

Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: Dear Lord, do not punish me in Your anger…

Lina: Dear God, I place my trust in You; have mercy on me...

Stankar: I have killed the man who dishonored me…

Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: ...or I shall melt away as mists before the sun…

Lina: ...do not deny me Your goodness...

Stankar: ...in order to save the honor You gave me...

Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members:  ...have mercy on me, Lord...

Lina: ...God have mercy on me...

Stankar: ...God forgive me...

Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: ...and I will sing Your praises forever!

Lina: ...do not deny me Your goodness!

Stankar: ...as You once forgave the repentant David!

Lina, Stankar, Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: Do not punish us! Have mercy on us, O Lord!

*Stiffelio and Jorg enter the church from the right, wearing their black ministerial attire. Stiffelio is carrying the Bible. *

Jorg: You there, Stiffelio?

Stiffelio: I’m here.

Lina: (I’ll hear him speak again!)

Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: Have mercy…

Stiffelio: *passing by Lina and not recognizing her* Who’s that woman?

Lina: (He didn’t recognize me!)

Stiffelio: Jorg, please, stay here.

Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: Have mercy…

Jorg: Take heart. Everyone here is placing their hopes in you.

Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: Have mercy…

*Lina lifts her veil.*

Stiffelio: (Oh God!)

Jorg: What is it?

Stiffelio: She’s here…

Jorg: Remember where you are. Have courage.

Stiffelio: Alright…

Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: Have mercy…

Stiffelio: ...But everything is just all mixed up in my head and my thoughts escape me...

Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: Have mercy…

Jorg: Go up there, open the Bible to a random page, and just talk about whatever you open it up to. God will inspire you.

Stiffelio: Alright, that’s a good idea.

Jorg: Take heart.

Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: Have mercy…

*Stiffelio climbs the staircase and takes his place at the pulpit, doing as Jorg told him. Once he has opened the Bible, he begins to read in a trembling voice.*

Stiffelio: “Then Jesus turned to the assembled people and pointed to the adulteress who was at His feet, and spoke thus:...” ****

Lina: (Oh God!)

Stiffelio: “‘Let him among you who has never sinned cast the first stone…’”

Jorg: What are you saying?

Lina: (Is he going to finish?)

Stiffelio: “And the woman...the woman...arose, forgiven.”

Jorg: Stiffelio, what are you doing?

Lina: OH GOD

*She collapses in front of the pulpit and Stiffelio places his hand on the Bible.*

Stiffelio: Forgiven...forgiven...GOD HAS SPOKEN SHE IS FORGIVEN

Stiffelio, Stankar, Jorg, Federico, Dorotea, and Congregation Members: GOD HIMSELF HAS PRONOUNCED IT SHE IS FORGIVEN

*Lina stands up and lifts her hands.*

Lina: THANKS BE TO GOD

*General thanksgiving.*

Notes

THE END