Cirrus@Austlit

A localised adaptation of Robert Brough's Massaniello; Or, The Fish-O-Man of Naples (1857), which is itself a burlesque of the Auber opera. The Argus describes the work as a 'new minstrel burlesque' (24 September 1861, n. pag.).

Adapted from Auber's opera Massaniello; Ou, La Muette de Portici (The Mute Girl of Portici) and written expressly for the Christy Minstrels troupe, the second 1865 Melbourne season was advertised in the Argus as a 'new local burlesque' done in blackface (23 October 1865, p.5). An earlier review in the same paper also records, 'The affair as was to be anticipated, overflows with absurdities. It is chiefly remarkable for local allusions, most of which are political, and are received with applause or disapproval, just as they are acceptable or unwelcome to the audience. The visit of the pilchards to Hobson's Bay is made a prominent feature, and the sudden disappearance of the fish is ascribed to the Ministry' (9 October 1865, p.5).

In relation to the music, the Argus notes, 'Some of the finest airs from the opera are introduced, including the ballad, 'Sister Dear', which [was] well sing by Mr Herberte' (9 October 1865, p.5).

The opera (and burlesque version) is loosely based on the historical uprising of Neapolitan fisherman, Massaniello, who led the 1647 revolt against the Spanish rule over Naples.