Stanislavsky Theatre
Performed in Italian Premiere of this production: 12 Nov 2021 The performance has 1 intermission Running time: 3 hours At the Stanislavsky Theatre, located in XIX century historical building just 750 metres (9-minute walk) from the Bolshoi, audiences will witness this masterpiece brought to life by a cast whose members have performed on the stages of the most prestigious Russian theatres and trained at the same renowned academies that shaped generations of Russia’s leading opera and ballet artists. Their artistry ensures that Verdi’s masterpiece shines with emotional depth, dramatic truth, and musical brilliance. Opera at the Stanislavsky Theatre is the great and affordable alternative to the Bolshoi. Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto is one of the most beloved operas in the world repertoire. Every season it returns to the stages of leading opera houses across the globe, a timeless masterpiece whose power and relevance never fade. Its unforgettable characters, gripping drama, and Verdi’s genius score continue to captivate both seasoned opera-goers and those discovering the art form for the very first time. The new production at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre is directed by Vladimir Pankov, Artistic Director of the Center for Drama and Directing and founder of the SounDrama theatre. For Pankov—renowned for his bold experiments fusing music and drama—this staging marks his first foray into opera. He collaborated with his longtime creative partners: designer Maksim Obrezkov and choreographer Ekaterina Kislova. The production’s music director is the Theatre’s chief conductor, Felix Korobov. Together, the team brings to life a Rigoletto that merges tradition and modernity. Director Vladimir Pankov describes his vision:“For me, the genre of Rigoletto is a ‘dark fairytale.’ On one hand, Verdi’s music sparkles like champagne; on the other, the opera unfolds as a true thriller—a detective story, a horror, a tale of crime and fate. With designer Maksim Obrezkov, we debated endlessly how this world should look, until two central images emerged: the mirror and the mask. The mirror as a portal into another dimension; the mask as a nod to Italy and its historic operatic traditions. We combine these elements with contemporary costumes, building a production that bridges the archaic and the modern.” SynopsisIn the Duke’s palace, merriment reigns. Rigoletto entertains his master and the courtiers with biting jokes. The Duke flirts with Countess Ceprano, ignoring her husband’s jealousy. Rigoletto mocks Count Ceprano and even advises the Duke to abduct the beauty. The revelry is interrupted by Monterone. He accuses the Duke of abducting and dishonoring his daughter. Rigoletto mocks him as well. Enraged, Monterone curses both the Duke and Rigoletto. Left alone, Rigoletto is approached by Sparafucile, a hired assassin, who offers him his services. Rigoletto hurries home, where his daughter Gilda awaits him. She is constantly watched over by her nurse, Giovanna. The father forbids Gilda to leave the house and tells her nothing about himself or his past. Yet his caution proves useless: in church, Gilda has noticed a young man who captured her heart. Suddenly, he appears before her—it is the Duke, disguised as a student. He swears his love to Gilda. Near Rigoletto’s house, the Duke’s men gather. They have resolved to abduct Gilda, whom they believe to be the jester’s mistress. In the dark, Rigoletto encounters the conspirators. They reassure him, claiming that they are preparing to kidnap Countess Ceprano. Rigoletto unsuspectingly helps them, and thus delivers his own daughter into the Duke’s hands. At court, the courtiers gleefully recount the night’s adventure: Rigoletto’s “mistress” has been kidnapped and is now in the palace. The Duke realizes it is Gilda and rushes to her. Rigoletto enters, hiding his despair beneath a mask of irony. At first he demands, then begs for his daughter’s return. When Gilda emerges from the Duke’s chamber, Rigoletto swears vengeance for her dishonor. He seeks out Sparafucile. That night, the Duke goes in search of new amusements. He turns his attentions to Maddalena, Sparafucile’s sister. Gilda, heartbroken, sees her beloved’s betrayal, yet cannot cease to love him. Rigoletto arranges the Duke’s murder. But Maddalena, captivated by the Duke, persuades her brother to spare him. Sparafucile agrees to kill instead the first person who knocks at their door. Overhearing this, Gilda sacrifices herself to save the Duke. Rigoletto’s revenge turns against him—he is left with the lifeless body of his own daughter. | Giuseppe Verdi "Rigoletto" Opera in 2 acts on the playbill
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