Casanova

Barberina reveals the themes for the evening: It’s about desire, sensuality, love, it’s about seduction, and sex. It’s about a young couple, Laura und Hohenfels. Barberina also presents Casanova, an inimitable character for whom these themes are the stuff of life. Or, at least, they were. For, even in a new guise, Casanova’s signature number doesn’t work on Barberina, his ‘craving’ finds no ‘way in’. Hohenfels saves Casanova from an awkward situation.

Further couples appear on the scene: Trude and Costa. These two know no inhibitions at all. That can’t be said of Helene and Waldstein who would love to change things if they could. Casanova tries to rekindle the spark of passion. Barberina, on the other hand, fights for her independence, even defying the most powerful man in the world.

Hohenfels wants to marry Laura. However, at the altar Laura asks herself whether marriage is a good place for love and desire. Casanova portrays himself as an ever-ready, sure-fire specialist in lust. Laura shrinks back and flees. Hohenfels sets off on a search for her.