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The Fan
(Il ventaglio)
Carlo Goldoni - 1763.
Comedy of misunderstandings
The misunderstandings arise over
a fan that falls into many hands before reaching the lady for whom it
is intended. Evaristo, a gentleman who is leaving on a hunting trip,
purchases the fan for Candida, a lady he wishes to marry, and leaves
it with her servant Giannina, with instructions that she pass it on to
her mistress. Before Giannina can give the fan to Candida, rumours spread
that Evaristo is in love with the attractive servant girl. Candida becomes
indignant, as do Giannina's suitors. Finally the fan reaches Candida,
but not until it has caused havoc in the romantic life of almost everyone
involved.