Rigoletto
The tragic tale of love, power and revenge
Join NZ Opera, a star-studded cast and a Fiat Bambina as Verdi steps into uncharted artistic territory, balancing character, drama and music in a way that sets new standards for Italian opera.
Against La Dolce Vita styling of 1950s Italy, court jester Rigoletto delights in making enemies of husbands and fathers while his boss, Duke of Mantua, is a callous playboy. (Yet somehow, it’s the duke who has the nerve to sing ‘La donna e mobile’ – women are fickle!)
Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, a smash hit since its debut, is brimming with crowd-pleasing melodies and lush orchestrations. ‘La donna e mobile’ is the hit but the composer preferred ‘Bella figlia dell’amore’, a sensuous depiction of the characters’ motives. “I never expect to do better,” Verdi said.
The jester finds it less funny when he’s cursed by a humiliated parent, and the duke meets Gilda, Rigoletto’s beautiful daughter.
Join NZ Opera, a star-studded cast and a Fiat Bambina as Verdi steps into uncharted artistic territory, balancing character, drama and music in a way that set new standards for Italian opera.
Buy Tickets19, 21, 25 September, 2024
7:30pm
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
MUSIC
Giuseppe Verdi
libretto
Francesco Maria Piave
DIRECTOR
Elijah Moshinsky
SET AND COSTUME DESIGNER
Michael Yeargan
LIGHTING DESIGN
Robert Bryan
ORCHESTRA
Auckland Philharmonia
CREDITS
This production of Rigoletto is presented by arrangement with Opera Australia.
Language
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Duration
2 hours 45 minutes (including an interval)
Ngā Kaiwhakaari
Cast
Rigoletto
James Clayton
Duke of Mantua
Amitai Pati
WITH THE NZ OPERA CHORUS
Te Rōpu Auaha
Creative Team
Conductor
James Judd
Stage Director
Elijah Moshinsky
Production Designer
Michael Yeargan
Assistant Director
Matthew Kereama
TE RŌPŪ PUORO
MUSIC STAFF
Principal Répétiteur
David Kelly