Passion is not a standard musical. Stephen Sondheim's music is more complex and less easy to grasp than that of the average musical. And the story is not a light-hearted comedy or a simple tear-jerk, but a search for the deepest desires of the human soul and the redeeming power of love. The musical is based on the film Passione D'Amore by Ettore Scola, which was again inspired by the book Fosca
… (1896) by Iginio Ugo Tarchetti. The story is about the handsome military Giorgio who has to leave his married mistress Clara behind when he is transferred to an outpost. Here he meets Fosca, a seriously ill, unattractive woman who develops a compulsive but unconditional passion for him. Fosca's obsessive love repels Giorgio, but at the same time touches him deeply. His relationship with Clara comes under pressure and a passionate and devastating relationship develops with dramatic consequences. Thanks to Joop van den Ende, Passion, which was awarded four Tony Awards in 1994, can be admired in a Dutch version with Stanley Burleson (Giorgio), Pia Douwes (Clara) and Vera Mann (Fosca). (CP)more
