Piece of Cake

On the one hand, the plot of Le Nozze di Figaro is exceedingly simple: Two servants plan their wedding and, four hours later, they get married. On the other hand, each scene is filled with such hijinks and trickery that it can be immensely difficult to keep track of what is happening when (and why). And while the opera is one of the best situational comedies ever composed, it can also be complex and multilayered, so understanding the intricacies of each scene is crucial to discovering the humor in it all.

In this activity, students will work together to identify the layers of comedy and conflict in select scenes from Le Nozze di Figaro. Then, they will use their analysis to build multitiered “cakes” representing the dramatic structure of each scene. When all is said and done, they will have prepared a dessert banquet befitting Susanna and Figaro’s wedding.

STEP 1. REVIEW

Since the plot of the opera is so complex, begin by distributing the synopsis included with this guide. Younger students might find it more helpful to read through the illustrated synopsis (metopera.org/figaro-illustrated). As students work through either synopsis, ask them to complete the “Character Organizer” handout included with this guide. This worksheet will help them grasp the identity of each character, their goals, and their conflicts. If they need some additional support, you can also distribute the “Who’s Who in Le Nozze di Figaro” chart included with this guide.

This part of the activity can also be done in pairs or groups, with each assigned to a particular character in the opera. Another way to organize this exercise is to give each group of students a couple from the characters listed below, with Cherubino as a wildcard that can be added to any of the couplings:

• Figaro and Susanna
• Count and Countess Almaviva
• Bartolo and Marcellina
• Cherubino

STEP 2. WATCH

Now students should be ready to dive into the opera. Divide the class into small groups (perhaps the same groups as the previous step). In their respective groups, students will study an assigned scene and complete the “Scene Tiers” handout included with this guide. As the scene progresses, they should note how each “tier” of situational comedy contributes to the dramatic structure of the scene. 

As a warmup, you can have the whole class do Act I, Scenes 6–7 (MOoD clips 12–14) together. As you watch the scene, ask students to call out what is happening. Each detail will be represented by one tier of wedding cake. So, for this scene, your tiers might look something like this:

1. Cherubino hides from the Count under the bed.
2. The Count hides from Basilio under the bed.
3. Cherubino escapes onto the top of bed.
4. Don Basilio gossips about the Count and Cherubino.
5. The Count comes out from under the bed.
6. Susanna pretends to faint to distract the Count and Basilio.
7. The Count uncovers Cherubino.

In this scene, then, there are at least seven moments that generate comedic effects. Using chart paper or the board, you can represent the scene as a seven-tiered “cake”:

With your students, it may help to identify which aspects of this scene make it funny. Some rely on physical comedy: Both the Count and Cherubino are trying to hide under the bed. Others rely on irony: Basilio is gossiping about the Count and Cherubino without knowing that both are in the room. Others rely on surprise: The Count unexpectedly emerges from under the bed and later uncovers Cherubino’s hiding place.

If you watch carefully, several other comedic moments stand out: Susanna holding the door closed with her foot, Basilio attempting to seduce Susanna, Susanna pretending to faint, and the Count shushing Cherubino. These bits can be added to the “cake” as decorations!

STEP 3. ANALYZE

With the class divided into groups or pairs, assign each to watch one of the following sequences from Le Nozze di Figaro:

• Act II, Scenes 2–5 (MOoD clips 20–23)
• Act II, Scenes 6–10 (MOoD clips 24–26)
• Act III, Scene 5 (MOoD clips 35–36)
• Act IV, Scenes 9–12 (MOoD clips 43, 45)
• Act IV, Scenes 13–14 (MOoD clips 46–47)

As students watch their assigned scene(s), they should complete the “Scene Tiers” handout included with this guide. They should consider not just the events in each scene but also the context clues, character traits, and directorial choices that make the scene work.

STEP 4. DESIGN

Once they have thoroughly reviewed their scene and enumerated its “tiers” of situational comedy, it’s time to make their cake. Using colored construction paper, ask students to cut out one piece for each tier of wedding cake. (The bigger the better!) They can use a different color for each tier, if they would like. Make sure that the tiers are even height and that each higher tier is narrower than the one below it.

When each group has cut out all their tiers, they can fasten them together to create a paper wedding cake. They should also write the descriptions from their worksheet on each tier and decorate as they see fit using colored markers or pens, pipe cleaners, acrylic gems, or any other available craft materials.

STEP 5. DISPLAY

It’s time for a banquet! The groups can display their wedding cakes around the classroom to celebrate the wedding of Susanna and Figaro. The class can also watch each assigned sequence together while individual groups explain the structure and design of their wedding cake. To add an extra element of fun, students can prepare or bring treats to add to the feast.