Piazza Della Signoria

Next day

It is a feast day with much celebrating

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         #15   FURLANA                               Orchestra                        PLAY MUSIC       

The scene starts with dancers at front of stage

The curtain rises to reveal a happy crowd outside the Pallazio Vecchio steps. They dance a traditional Italian folk dance.

SALAI is there with LEONARDO.

(ARAGONA enters and SALAI introduces her to Leonardo)

(LISA enters with FRANCESCO. They greet Leonardo and Salai)

(TOTTO staggers in, a little under the influence of drink and stands near them)

(They ALL watch the end of the dance and applaud)

         #15            MUSIC ENDS                                              

                       LISA

I do so love to dance. Come Francesco they’re about to start again, won’t you dance with your wife.

                       FRANCESCO

(Laughing)

I’m sorry Lisa, I’m much too old for dancing. In fact I never was much good at it. I‘m sure young Salai here would oblige.

                       SALAI

Yes of course, I’d be delighted Signor! Come Lisa..

(ARAGONA looks across jealously. SALAI goes to take LISA’S hand. She is reluctant but SALAI is insistent. LEONARDO looks worried and attempts to intervene)

                       LEONARDO

Hold on Salai, you know you have two left feet! Let an older man show you how it’s done.

(TOTTO sees an opportunity)

                            TOTTO

Ha! This is a job for a real man. Here, I’ll dance with the lady...

(TOTTO grabs LISA’S arm and pulls her to him. She pushes him off him and tears herself away)

                       LISA

No! NO!

(SALAI moves protectively to confront TOTTO, LEONARDO restrains him)

                       LEONARDO

(Raised voice)

That’s enough Salai...

(LISA runs back to FRANCESCO. TOTTO waves his arm dismissively and leaves)

(LEONARDO and SALAI stand staring at each other)

         #16   DISAPPEARS                 Leonardo/Salai/ Chorus                       PLAY MUSIC

(The song finishes. The crowd disperse to reveal BASTIANO, who appears and confronts ARAGONA. She recoils in horror and runs away. BASTIANO lets out an evil laugh)

CURTAIN

END OF ACT ONE