In describing the attributes of his 1851 melodrama based on Victor Hugo’s acclaimed play “Le roi s’amuse” Verdi also puts his finger on the challenges that any director has to address: RIGOLETTO is namely a masterpiece whose particularity lies in the clash between the characters’ psychology and the improbable action of a fantasy storyline.

Rigoletto

Deutsche Oper Berlin

In the beginning was a murder. Before, after, and in between: women — Italian, German, French, Spanish women, chambermaids, countesses, peasants, princesses, blonde, brunette, pale, fat, thin, old, rich, ugly, beautiful women — no matter, as long as they are female. Special preferences: young and inexperienced. So much tolerance! Thank you, noble Don, hero of equality. How would you like a women’s movement? Or we could simply wait until the ground opens up to swallow the murderer … It is the last moment; an unavoidable downfall. Don Giovanni, libertinage incarnate, has no place in the realm of reason. It is social progress which throws moral permissiveness into the jaws of hell.

Stéphane Laimé

Events

Past events

Sep 14, 2025 - Mar 1, 2026

Rigoletto · Deutsche Oper Berlin

Oct 25 - Nov 3, 2024

Don Giovanni · Staatsoper Hamburg

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