The Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Center are bringing to Seoul a theatrical performance of “The Betrothed,” which is based on an Italian novel that unified usage of the language and inspired generations of artists.

The performance is based on the 19th century Italian novel of the same name by Alessandro Manzoni and will be performed by Alessandro Finazzer Flory and Gilda Gelati, Teatro alla Scala’s first ballerina, and includes music by Giuseppe Verdi.

The embassy organized the performance as part of bicentennial celebrations of Giusepe Verdi’s birth.

Verdi’s musical accompaniment recalls the Italian composer’s deep admiration for Manzoni, whom he considered not only a sublime writer but also an example of moral and civic virtue.

“The Betrothed” will be performed at Sogang University’s Mary Hall on May 22 at 7:30 p.m. The performance includes Korean and English captions and admission is free. For more information, visit www.iicseoul.esteri.it/IIC_Seoul.

(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)