Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia
Melbourne Opera presents Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia
28 Aug, 30 Aug, 1 Sept, 6 Sept 2022
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne
Lucrezia Borgia was first performed in Milan in 1833, and had its Australian premiere in 1855. It has been 45 years since Australian audiences experienced the melodrama and magic of the Gaetano Donizetti bel canto masterpiece, and welcoming it back to our city was the Melbourne Opera company.
Based on the life of the aristocrat of the same name, the performance follows the tragic undoing of Lucrezia and her long lost son. After being spotted with her secret son by her husband Alfonso, he becomes hellbent on revenge against who he believes to be his wife’s lover. What follows is a case of mistaken identity, and the wrath of a wronged woman.
The production, directed by Gary Abrahams, is supported by the Melbourne Opera Orchestra and Chorus, conductors Raymond Lawrence (Aug 28 & 30) and Greg Hocking AM (Sep 1 & 6) and an all-star cast. Australian born international soprano Helena Dix (MO production credits include Macbeth, Lohengrin, Norma, and Roberto Devereux) astonishes audiences in her latest role as the femme fatale Lucrezia Borgia. Supported by the bold baritone Christopher Hillier as Don Alfonso, talented tenor James Egglestone as Lucrezia’s son Gennaro, and magnificent mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd as Orsini, the cast shines as the drama unfolds throughout the performance.
There’s a lot to love about this latest production, with a thoroughly entertaining plot line and a slew of incredible talent. Whether you are regular attendee of the opera, or looking for something new to explore, our team highly recommends checking out the latest and greatest that Melbourne Opera has to offer.
Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia at the Athenaeum Theatre
Run Time: 2.5 hours, including 20-minute intermission
On until Tuesday 6th September
Tickets from $49
Lucrezia Borgia Credits
Gary Abrahams – Director
Greg Hocking and Raymond Lawrence – Conductors
Helena Dix – Lucrezia Borgia
James Egglestone – Gennaro
Christopher Hillier – Duke Alfonso
Dimity Shepherd – Orsini
and the Melbourne Opera Chorus led by Chorus Master Raymond Lawrence
Photo Credit: Robin Halls