The English Marquis leaves the strongbox in which he keeps his wife’s jewellery with the Innkeeper. The brigand Fradiavolo witnesses this and tells his men. At nightfall, the robbers break into the inn to steal the strongbox. But as they hear Cerline’s (the innkeeper’s daughter) prayer, they hesitate. At that moment, Robert – Cerline’s fiancé – arrives at the inn with his own men. The robbers decide to postpone the theft. The following night, the drunken robbers sing Cerline’s prayer. Their plan is thus exposed. Robert is warned by Cerline and manages to arrest the robbers, among which was Fradiavolo.

Rod and string marionette

Not specified

France

Lille

Handwritten outline

Casette

Robber

Tourism

Theft

Arrest

Jewel

Prayer

Dramatic

French

Sergeant

Knight

Marquis

English man

Frà Diavolo

Innkeeper

Inn scene

Night scene

Improvised dialogue

La Capture du fameux Fradiavolo

The Capture of the famous Fradiavolo

Zechariah prays to God for a son. The Archangel Gabriel appears and announces that his wish is granted, but Zachariah does not believe him. Because of his disbelief, the Angel strikes him mute. When Zechariah comes back home, his wife Elizabeth announces that their son is born. Meanwhile, Marie rejects Joseph’s marriage proposal. The Archangel Gabriel appears before her and announces the birth of her cousin Elizabeth’s son. Marie must have a son too. She must accept Joseph’s proposal and, after visiting her cousin, go to Bethlehem with her husband. Marie obeys. Three Magi present themselves at Herod’s court. They have heard that the king of the Jews is born and are looking for him to bring him presents. Herod did not know about his being born. As soon at the Magi leave, he orders that the child be found and killed. In the stable, the Shepherds join the Angel in a song to rejoice about the birth of the Saviour. The Magi offer their presents to the infant Jesus. The Angel warns them about Herod’s order and asks them to go back home by a different route. As the Magi do not come back, Herod orders that all the children under two be killed. Later, the Angel tells Marie and Joseph that they can go back to Judea because Herod has died.