Perla

Perla is a one-act zarzuela by Miguel Marqués for a libretto (in verse) by . It was staged for the first time on 2 December 1871 at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid. Roles Synopsis The action takes place in a square of a 17th century Sevillian suburb. A young nobleman Olmedo pays mare Clara to help him arrange a date with the beautiful gypsy girl Perla, who refuses all men. The severe Perchado has raised her without telling anybody who were her parents, and she is watched over by him. Clara demands that Olmedo go away for the moment, but he hides himself in the nearby. A group of gypsies comes to the square praising Perla, who performs a song (bolero) about the birth of love in her heart. Olmedo approaches her and lets to read his hand. She says that his love is shared by the girl he loves. Full of happiness, Olmedo invites the whole company to his house (which is also in this square). Perchado insists that Perla stay outside with Clara. Olmedo promises Perla to return.