Detroit Opera: Tosca

An opera in three acts, with music by Giacomo Puccini and an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, Tosca was first performed at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome on January 14, 1900.

The story, steeped in themes of passion, politics, violence, intrigue, and religion, centers on the tumultuous love between the impetuous singer Floria Tosca and the painter Mario Cavaradossi, an idealist fighting for his political beliefs in a turbulent social climate. Their relationship faces grave danger due to the schemes of Scarpia, the infamous chief of police, whose relentless desire to possess Tosca forces her to confront authority, power, and evil.