The name Casanova is synonymous with seduction and sexuality. And while biographer Laurence Bergreen says that Giacomo Casanova’s favorite place was a brothel, it might surprise you that his second favorite was a library. The 18th century Venetian was born in poverty. He was intent on working up the social ladder though and saw sex as both pleasure and a “weapon of class destruction.” Bergreen joins Doug to talk about Casanova’s writing and philosophy … as well as his 120+ lovers. (Rebroadcast)
Utah Opera is performing Don Giovanni, Mozart's opera partially based on Casanova's life. Opening night, Saturday, May 13 is red carpet night, with additional performances May 15, 17, 19 and a matinee on May 21. For more information, tickets, and on-line learning about the opera, visit utahopera.org
Laurence Bergreen is an award-winning biographer and historian. Among his books are biographies of Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, Ferdinand Magellan, Louis Armstrong, Al Capone, and Irving Berlin. His new book is called Casanova: The World of a Seductive Genius [Indiebound|Amazon]