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.
Buy TicketsPlease 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.
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
Gilda
Rigoletto
Maddalena/Giovanna
Sparafucile
Count Monterone
Cavaliere Marullo
Matteo Borsa
Count Ceprano
Countess Ceprano
Page
Court Usher
WITH THE NZ OPERA CHORUS
Te Rōpu Auaha
Creative Team
CONDUCTOR
STAGE DIRECTOR
Elijah Moshinsky (1946 – 2021)
REVIVAL DIRECTOR
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
LIGHTING DESIGNER
TE RŌPŪ PUORO
MUSIC STAFF
crew
HEad of wigs & makeup
Karina Sanasaryan
HEAD OF WARDROBE
Sophie Ham
HEAD OF LIGHTING
Zach Howells
STAGE MANAGER
Lucie Camp