The Barber of Seville

A Royalty-Free Play Script from La Commedia

Count Almaviva has come to Seville out of love for a girl he met in Madrid; but he finds that her guardian, Doctor Bartholo, is intending to marry her himself. With the help of the barber Figaro he tries to prevent the arranged match.

by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais

translated by Elizabeth Griffiths

[*Brackets with asterisk link to a version of the sheet music from the French production]

Ducharte in his Italian Comedy declares Figaro a variation of Brighella. I have also seen 19th century illustrations which depict Figaro in Harlequin's costume. -- TF

The Drama:

Count Almaviva

Bartholo

Rosina

Figaro

Don Bazile

Youthful

Sprightly

Notary or Lawyer

An Alcade [Peace Officer]

Several Algouasils and Servants

The Scene is in a Street of Seville, and under the Windows of Rosina at the First Act; and the Remainder of the Piece is in the House of Doctor Bartholo.

To ACT ONE