La tabernaria

by Giambattista della Porta

"La tabernaria" by Giambattista della Porta is a comedic play from the late 16th century. The story unfolds in Naples and features a cast of colorful characters, including the father Giacoco, his son Giacomino, and a lazy servant named Cappio, among others. The narrative revolves around themes of love, avarice, and the intricacies of social interactions, hallmarked by the comedic misunderstandings typical of the genre. At the start of the play, Giacoco expresses his desire to engage in some vineyard activities, leaving his son Giacomino and the servant Cappio behind to manage the household. Giacomino is deeply infatuated with Altilia, a beautiful woman, and is fretting about how to woo her in his father’s absence. Cappio, ever the opportunist, devises a plan to transform their home into a tavern for the return of Giacomino’s beloved, leading to humorous exchanges and a series of misunderstandings. The opening sets the tone for a lively exploration of love and comedic misadventures in a bustling Neapolitan backdrop.