The libretto is by Marco Marcelliano Marcello, based on the 1759 comedy L'impresario delle Smirne by Carlo Goldoni.

[1][2] Its success in Italy also saw it spread to countries where Italian singers and companies dominated; hence it was premiered in Calcutta in 1867, Australia in 1874 and New Zealand in 1875.

Scene 1: A cafe Singers and actors complain about the previous evening's failure of Gregorio's most recent opera production.

Gregorio arrives and is subjected to ridicule, but he brings news of a rich Turk (Abdalà) who is interested in taking the company to the East and paying all their expenses.

Gregorio is heard, and Vittoria also tries to hide - but she inadvertently picks Dorotea's hiding-place, and the discovery results in a slanging-match involving all four.

After a lot of confusion, everything is sorted out and Abdalà distributes contracts to the whole troupe, but Vittoria and Emilio opt to stay in Venice to cement their relationship.