Backstage

"“The torment and the delight of my heart.”"

Director Giorgio SalieriI is shooting an X-rated adaptation of Verdi's "La Traviata," at once staging and exorcizing his own longing for star Sasha Byazrov. Mario Perez, Dimitri Markovich, and Brian Hansen successfully complete their threeway. The set is fraught with tension and jealousy. Max Veneziano, Eric Flower, Ettore Tosi, and Sasha Byazrov recreate the "toast" scene from Act I. Bodybuilders Max Veneziano and Eric sit at the table, in between Sasha and Ettore. A few roles haven't been cast yet and Giorgio Salieri reluctantly interviews Ricky Martinez, who is clumsy. Giorgio, still obsessing about Sasha and ridden by memories of their early days, pays little attention. Electrician Matthias Vannelli takes the audition in his own hands. Sasha and Ettore are ready for their love-making scene. As Giorgio indulges in his own fantasies, the sound stage is transformed into Giorgio's reverie, and Ettore into the director. All too soon filming is over and Giorgio awakes to the real world.