"This is a story about good and bad niggers," said the English translation of the program notes supplied for tourists. It was a story about Zio Tom, Signor Legree and Piccola Eva. a story about slavery in harsh old Kentucky. The premiere production of Luigi Ferrari Tre-cate's Zio Tom (Uncle Tom) at the Rome Opera House celebrated the centenary of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, but Rome found it a masterpiece of contemporary social realism. "Poveri negri!" (Poor Negroes), enthusiasts shouted from the balconies, and next morning the Rome press chimed in. "A great opera and a great story," said II Messaggero....
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