Russian state opera brings Verdi’s masterpiece to Swindon: 3 March

Operatic performances are often restricted to theatres in London or Bristol, or perhaps a live broadcast to a cinema, but on Tuesday 3 March the Russian State Ballet and Opera House performs Verdi’s best-loved opera Rigoletto at the Wyvern.

It’s a tragic tale of misunderstanding, revenge and sacrifice, sung in Italian with English surtitles performed to the accompaniment of a large live orchestra.

The work is based on a play by Victor Hugo, ‘Le Roi s‘amuse’, written by Giuseppe Verdi and his librettist Francesco Maria Piave, to fulfil a contract for a new opera to be produced at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice during the 1850-1851 season.

The story revolves around the hunchbacked court jester, Rigoletto, his beautiful much-loved daughter Gilda (whom he had kept secret from the Court) and the womanising Duke of Mantua he serves.

The drama of tension and menace in a plot involving abduction, seduction and a hired assassin is matched by a succession of stunning and recognisable tunes, including the famous ‘La donna £ mobile.’

Alexej Ignatow, producer of The Russian State Ballet & Opera House said watching performances live is a stunning experience. “Opera has been able to take advantage of the high-tech revolution in home entertainment, television and cinema and more and more people are discovering it. We are dedicated to presenting full and positive new productions in regional theatres.

“We want to give the opportunity to audiences to experience these classics at a fraction of the cost they would pay in big cities, give them great pleasure and inspire them to want more. Opera lovers the world over have taken Rigoletto to their hearts, and you are bound to be drawn in and immersed in the atmosphere that this production radiates. It will be an unforgettable experience for all.”

Book tickets at Swindon Theatres