William Tell

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William Tell

1 3.35 Ascolta e leggi l’estratto di un testo teatrale. Poi recitalo.

William Tell is the national hero of Switzerland. He’s a legendary character. It isn’t clear if he’s a real historical figure or not. His legend goes back to the 1300s. At this time Austria is in control of Switzerland. The Swiss people aren’t happy about this. In the legend, William Tell refuses to obey the Austrians in control of his town. Scene 1 Narrator 1 William Tell lives near Lake Lucerne, in Switzerland. He has got a young son, Carl. One day they visit the town of Altdorf, near their home. In the town square there’s a hat. Some guards are standing near it, and the people of the town are bowing to it.

Carl Father, why are the people bowing to a hat? William Tell I don’t know. Let’s ask this old man.

William Tell Old man, why are the people bowing to a hat? Old man It’s Baron Gessler’s hat. William Tell Baron Gessler? Who’s he? Old man He controls the town. He’s the master here. William Tell But why are they bowing to the hat? Old man It’s the law. People who do not bow, die! Carl That’s really silly! I don’t want to bow to a hat! William Tell Yes, it is silly. Let’s go.

(Gessler enters. William and Carl walk past the hat. They don’t bow.)

Guard 1 Hey, you. Stop. Bow to that hat! William Tell I refuse to bow. This is a silly law! Gessler This man doesn’t want to bow. Who is he? Guards, arrest him!

(The guards arrest William.)

28 Gessler Who are you? What’s your name? William Tell My name’s William Tell. Gessler And who is this boy? William Tell He’s my son, Carl. Gessler How old is he? William Tell He’s 12. Gessler So, boy, are you ready to die at 12? William Tell What do you mean, you monster? Gessler You see my hat. Why don’t you bow? Carl Because it is a silly law. Gessler Is your son precious to you, William Tell? William Tell Yes, of course he is. Gessler Then bow to the hat! William Tell Never. I refuse to bow to an Austrian hat. Gessler Ha ha ha! Then your son dies.

Scene 2 Narrator 2 The guards take Carl and they tie him to a tree. Gessler takes an apple.

William Tell What are you doing with him? Gessler Well young Tell, is your father a good archer? Carl Yes, he is. He’s very good. He’s the best in Switzerland. Gessler I hope that’s true, for your sake! William Tell Let him go! Kill me! Gessler No, I am not a monster. I hear that you are a good archer, William Tell. Shoot an arrow at this apple. If you hit the apple, you and your son are free. William Tell I can do that easily.

(He takes out an arrow.)

Gessler Wait a minute…

(He puts the apple on Carl’s head.)

Gessler If you miss, your son dies! Ah, ha ha ha! William Tell You are a monster, Gessler! Man He’s so cruel! Woman No don’t! Carl Father, don’t worry. I know you can do it. Gessler Guards! Stand here, William Tell. William Tell But the sun is in my eyes. I cannot see. Gessler Of course you can see. Stand here. Carl You can do it, father! Glossary obey obbedire for your sake per il (William shoots an arrow into the apple.) bow (v) inchinarsi tuo bene Carl Well done, father! law legge shoot scoccare refuse rifiutarsi arrow freccia tie (v) legare hit colpire archer arciere miss mancare

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