Blood Wedding

The scene is set in a darkened forest. Three woodcutters enter and discuss the hunt for Leonardo and the Bride. They approve of Leonardo and the Bride’s actions, suggesting they are right to follow their passions, as “the blood couldn’t be denied” (49). When discussing the Bridegroom, witnessing him setting off after the Bride, they say that he “carried the fate of his family” (50). None believe that Leonardo and the Bride will escape the dozens of family members who are now hunting the woods. As the moon rises, and its light illuminates the forest, the three woodcutters speak in verse, requesting that the moon cast its light against the branches of a large tree, and allow the lovers to hide in its shadow.

After the three woodcutters leave, the Moon appears as a young woodcutter with a white face casting a luminous blue light. The Moon speaks in verse, in an extended monologue. This reveals the Moon’s longing for blood and eagerness to illuminate the hiding lovers with its light. The Moon expresses its intention to reveal the lovers, then passes off stage, its light dimming.