In a pitiless world of luxurious decadence, corruption and social decay, Director of The Royal Opera Oliver Mears sets his scene. In his first work for his own Company, Mears brings Verdi’s masterpiece into the modern world. Verdi’s thrilling Rigoletto pits power against innocence, beauty against ugliness, conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano. This special anniversary screening of Verdi’s Rigoletto celebrates 171 years since its premiere in 1851.

Cast

Carlos Álvarez (Rigoletto), Liparit Avetisyan (Duke of Mantua), Lisette Oropesa (Gilda), Brindley Sherratt (Sparafucile), Ramona Zaharia (Maddalena), Eric Greene (Count Monterone), Kseniia Nikolaieva (Giovanna), Dominic Sedgwick (Marullo), Egor Zhuravskii (Borsa), Blaise Malaba (Count Ceprano)

The Royal Opera Chorus

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Credits

Music Giuseppe Verdi

Libretto Francesco Maria Piave

Director ¬Oliver Mears

Set designer Simon Lima Holdsworth

Costume designer Ilona Karas

Lighting designer Fabiana Piccioli

Movement director Anna Morrissey

Running times: 3 hours (including one interval)

Language: Sung in Italian with English subtitles

Tags: Thriller / Adult / Contemporary

Anniversary Performance: Performed in September 2021.