ABOUT THE SHOW
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Sicily, The Sparrow captures the inner turmoil of a young woman caught between the security of her faith and the pull of forbidden love.
At the heart of this story lies Maria, a novice who, after years of sheltered life in the convent, returns home during a cholera outbreak. Her world is upended when she meets Nino, awakening desires and emotions she has never known.
This adaptation reimagines Verga’s timeless tale with a blend of classical and contemporary influences, transporting audiences to a world where love and duty collide, and the echoes of personal choices reach far beyond the convent walls.
our inspiration
STORIA DI UNA CAPINERA
STORY OF A SPARROW
Author:
Giovanni Verga
Publication:
1872
Genre:
Epistolary novel
Setting:
19th-century Sicily
Themes:
Confinement, personal desires, societal constraints
Synopsis:
Maria, raised in a convent since her childhood, is sent home when a cholera outbreak forces the nuns to evacuate. This sudden change immerses her in a world full of new experiences—freedom, family life, and love. During her stay, she meets Nino, a kind young man whose presence awakens emotions she has never felt before.
Ultimately, Maria returns to the convent, burdened by unfulfilled love and duty. The isolation and sorrow consume her, leading to a rapid decline in her health and, ultimately, her death.
GIOVANNI VERGA
Giovanni Verga (1840-1922) was a renowned Italian novelist born in Catania, Sicily.
He is celebrated for his contributions to verismo, which depicted the struggles of ordinary people in a realistic manner.
His notable works include I Malavoglia and Cavalleria Rusticana, the latter serving as the basis for Pietro Mascagni’s famous opera. Verga’s writing focused on themes of poverty, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by Sicilian peasants.
His work remains an enduring representation of 19th-century Italian literature.