The Betrothed

The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi) by Alessandro Manzoni, set in 17th-century Lombardy, is a cornerstone of Italian literature.

This epic love story follows the engaged couple Renzo and Lucia as they navigate a perilous journey to be together amidst Spanish occupation, war, famine, and plague. Their struggle against the tyrannical Don Rodrigo, who seeks Lucia for himself, is interwoven with themes of faith, justice, power, and truth. Celebrated for its historical significance and cultural impact, the novel has inspired countless artists and remains a staple in Italian education and literature, praised by luminaries such as Giuseppe Verdi, Italo Calvino, Umberto Eco, and Pope Francis.

Lucia ….. Hiftu Quasem
Renzo ….. Ian Dunnett Jnr
Father Abbondio ….. Paul Higgins
Gabriel/Servant Boy ….. Joel Maccormack
Griso / Officer ….. Owen Whitelaw
Nibbio/ Ambrogio ….. Tunji Kasim
Agnese ….. Maureen Beattie
Brother Cristoforo ….. Ewan Bailey
Nameless / Old Friar ….. Jonathan Forbes
Rodrigo / Boss / Boatman / Traveller ….. Sandy Grierson
Gertrude / Gilda ….. Chloe Pirrie
Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane