Rigoletto

A 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.

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Please note: this production contains sexual violence, violence against women and mature themes, and is best suited for audiences 16+. This production also uses strobe lighting effects at times, which may potentially affect audience members who are sensitive to flashing lights or who suffer from conditions such as epilepsy.

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19, 21 (SOLD OUT), 25 (SOLD OUT) September, 2024

7:30pm

Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland

Audio-description and touch tour

21 September, 2024

MUSIC

Giuseppe Verdi

libretto

Francesco Maria Piave

DIRECTOR

Elijah Moshinsky

SET AND COSTUME DESIGNER

Michael Yeargan

LIGHTING DESIGNer

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)

AUDIENCE Advisory

This production contains sexual violence, violence against women and mature themes, and is best suited for audiences 16+.


Ngā Kaiwhakaari

Cast

Duke of Mantua

Amitai Pati

Rigoletto

James Clayton

Maddalena/Giovanna

Sian Sharp

Sparafucile

Jud Arthur

Count Monterone

James Harrison

Cavaliere Marullo

Joel Amosa

Matteo Borsa

Taylor Wallbank

Count Ceprano

Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono

Countess Ceprano

Sarah Mileham

Court Usher

Ipu Laga’aia

WITH THE NZ OPERA CHORUS


Te Rōpu Auaha

Creative Team

CONDUCTOR

STAGE DIRECTOR

REVIVAL DIRECTOR

PRODUCTION DESIGNER

LIGHTING DESIGNER


TE RŌPŪ PUORO

MUSIC STAFF

CHORUS DIRECTOR

Principal Répétiteur

CHORUS Répétiteur


crew

HEad of wigs & makeup

Karina Sanasaryan

HEAD OF WARDROBE

Sophie Ham

HEAD OF LIGHTING

Zach Howells

STAGE MANAGER

Lucie Camp