The complications of love and passion burst onto the stage in "Il Trittico," three one-acts by Giacomo Puccini, the second production in Hawaii Opera Theatre's winter season.

It begins with "Il Tabarro (The Cloak)," as stevedores unload a barge on the river Seine in Paris. The wife of the owner of the barge is in love with one of the stevedores, who, as their affair comes to light, is confronted by the barge owner.

In "Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica)," a convent nun spends her days tending her herb garden and the health of her sisters. Years earlier she had given birth to an illegitimate child, and was forced by her family to seek refuge in the convent. Now an aunt arrives with tragic news — more than Angelica can bear — with devastating consequences.

Finally, "Gianni Schicchi" is a tale of the love of money, and a father's love for his daughter. The crafty Schicchi impersonates a rich, recently dead man at the behest of the greedy family.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. today, 4 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Tickets are $28-$100. 596-7858, www.hawaiiopera.org.

The finale of the season is "Tosca," also by Puccini, at 8 p.m. March 10, 4 p.m. March 12, 7:30 p.m. March 14.