Rigoletto is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi; its libretto was written by Francesco Maria Piave. It had a triumphant premiere at the La Fenice Theatre in Venice, on March 11th 1851.
Rigoletto is an intense drama about passion, treachery, filial love and vengeance. The tragedy of Rigoletto revolves around the ‘curse’, which causes the inexorable and tragic fall of the main character: ‘The whole subject is in that curse, which will also prove to be moral’ (G. Verdi).
The first act of the opera begins in the Tiepolo Hall, where Anthony Knight’s wonderful costumes, inspired by the 18th century style, blend perfectly into the magnificent Baroque Palace furnishings.
Rigoletto travels and unfolds throughout the halls of the Palace where the choice to use candlelight creates a Caravaggio-style backlighting which enhances the dramatic power of the Opera.
Opera in three acts
Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave