In a society where morality is law and every slip is punished harshly, Ginevra stands accused of adultery. Her fiancé Ariodante, tricked into thinking her guilty, abandons her to her fate. Believing him dead and disowned by her family, Ginevra’s mind starts to unravel. As allegiances change and lies are uncovered, she finds herself caught in a high-stakes game of love, betrayal and deceit – and nothing will ever be certain again. Read more …
Director Harry Fehr and designer Yannis Thavoris (Orlando 2011) bring to life a vividly characterised, ‘what if’ kind of a world, where evil can flourish with frightening ease. In a community much like ours, with characters much like us – their gift for storytelling is perfectly matched to this simple yet powerful fable of innocence maligned.
Handel’s stunning music perfectly resonates with the characters’ emotions in a rollercoaster of rage, despair, love and fragility. The stellar cast, joined by chorus and dancers, includes Australian mezzo-soprano Caitlin Hulcup (Orfeo ed Euridice2015) as Ariodante, and Sarah Tynan, recently named Best Female in an Opera Production at the Wales Theatre Awards, as Ginevra.
Scottish Opera have hit the nail on the head.
This production is balanced fascinatingly between Biblical prohibitions and the gentler sexual politics of modern day Scotland. It is also blessed with superb performances and, of course, a gorgeously rich score by one of the greatest Baroque composers.
The morality tale behind Scottish Opera's take on Handel's Ariodante
Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Tuesday February 16, 2016, until Saturday February 20, 2016. More info: www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyalglasgow/
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Wednesday February 24, 2016, until Saturday February 27, 2016. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/festival
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