Cask of Amontillado (published in 1846)

Scene 1 // We imagine the narrator, Montresor, on his deathbed. He has written to the Contessa, his lover of many years, to bid her come hear his confession.

Scene 2 // Montresor takes us back in time, many years ago in the madness of Venetian Carnival—when Fortunato, Montresor’s friend, was the life of the party. Montresor tells that he maintained an appearance of good will towards Fortunato...but had vowed vengeance for a grievance we will never know. Montresor lures Fortunato into the city’s underground tombs with the promise to taste an imported Amontillado wine. They bid goodbye to the Lady, and Montresor leads Fortunato through the streets.

Scene 3 // Montresor leads Fortunato to a small, deep crypt, the end of which is lined with human remains. The light from the lantern is dim. Montresor claims the niche to be the location of the Amontillado. Fortunato stumbles inside; then Montresor ties Fortunato up. Montresor next begins to wall in the niche, with Fortunato inside. Fortunato revives with a moan, laughing weakly, “For the love of God, Montresor!” The latter mocks him. Fortunato ceases to speak. Montresor reconstructs the pile of bones and returns to the party on the street. He tells us that no mortal has disturbed the stones for the last fifty years. In pace requiescat.

Artists of Ballet Fantastique | Jeremy Bronson