British director Katie Mitchell is making her debut at the Teatro Real opera house on 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23 November with a staged version of Georg Fridrich Händel’s baroque oratorio that is coming to Spain for the first time.
Co-produced by the Teatro Real together with the Royal Opera House in London, it is a contemporary and provocative reading that touches on issues such as the feminist implications of religious fundamentalisms, the power of love and the struggle for freedom.
Its story features Theodora, a devout Christian from Ancient Rome, and her husband Didymus, a Roman soldier, who face the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. Despite the danger, their faith remains firm, even when they are separated and forced to face terrible trials and tribulations.
The opera consists of three acts and was composed by Georg Fridrich Händel in 1749. The German composer wrote arias, choral pieces and recitatives that convey the emotions of the characters and create great dramatic tension. On this occasion, the music is directed by British conductor Ivor Bolton, known at the Teatro Real for other works such as Nixon in China, The Marriage of Figaro and Parténope. In addition, this production features soloists Joyce DiDonato, Julia Bullock and Iestyn Davies.
Cast and Creative Team:
- Musical direction - Ivor Bolton
- Stage direction - Katie Mitchell
- Stage design - Chloe Lamford
- Wardrobe - Sussie Juhlin-Wallén
- Lighting and video - James Farncombe
- Choreography - Sarita Piotrowski
- Intimacy Coordination - Ita O’Brian
- Choir director - José Luis Basso
Cast:
- Theodora - Julia Bullock
- Irene - Joyce DiDonato
- Didymus - Iestyn Davies
- Septimius - Ed Lyon
- Valens - Callum Thorpe
- Messenger - Thando Mjandana
- Choir and Orchestra - Teatro Real Choir and Orchestra
Programme:
Oratorio in three parts, HWV 68
- Music by Georg Fridrich Händel (1685-1759)
- Libretto by Thomas Morell, based on Robert Boyle's work, Love and Religion Demonstrated in the Martyrdom of Theodora and Didymus
- First performed at London's Covent Garden on 16 March 1750
- Stage version debut at the Teatro Real
- New production of the Teatro Real, in collaboration with the Royal Opera House
