The Last Savage

An undeserved flop, this hardly ever performed opera from the 1960s features Kitty, who is an ambitious young anthropologist on the hunt in India for the world’s “last savage.” Her wealthy father, worrying that capitalism is doomed in a time of increasing taxes, growing union power, and a Democratic administration, is indulging her chase because wants to marry her off to the Crown Prince of the region, to be sure she can be set up for life. Kitty’s not interested in marriage until after her quest has been completed. The Prince, Kodanda, isn’t interested in American women, but is pressured by his father to marry her since the democratic reforms in India threaten to rob his family of their wealth. 

Video below is a Spoleto production of the opera; the entire scene is here, and the relevant parts of the libretto appear under the video.

Kodanda: All right, I’ll do it.
Kitty: All right, I’ll do it. 
Kodanda:…but only if Miss Kitty gives up all this talk of anthropology.
Kitty:…but only after I have completed my scientific mission.
Kodanda: Oh father, remember how shameful it would be if I, a noble prince, were to marry a girl who’s hunting for an apeman. 
Kitty: Oh father, dear father, are you expecting me to go back to Vassar without a single trophy?  

[snip] 

Kodanda: I know far too many women who have beauty, charm and knowledge.
Who would gladly show how madly they can love me
To be wasting my affection on a pale girl from Vassar College
Who believes herself above me.
If only I could be happy without a wealthy wife
To Sardula, my true love, I would dedicate my life.