Rigoletto

The tragic tale of love, power and revenge

Join NZ Opera, a star-studded cast and a Fiat Bambina as Verdi steps into uncharted artistic territory, balancing character, drama and music in a way that sets new standards for Italian opera.

Against La Dolce Vita styling of 1950s Italy, court jester Rigoletto delights in making enemies of husbands and fathers while his boss, Duke of Mantua, is a callous playboy. (Yet somehow, it’s the duke who has the nerve to sing ‘La donna e mobile’ – women are fickle!)

Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, a smash hit since its debut, is brimming with crowd-pleasing melodies and lush orchestrations. ‘La donna e mobile’ is the hit but the composer preferred ‘Bella figlia dell’amore’, a sensuous depiction of the characters’ motives. “I never expect to do better,” Verdi said.

The jester finds it less funny when he’s cursed by a humiliated parent, and the duke meets Gilda, Rigoletto’s beautiful daughter.

Join NZ Opera, a star-studded cast and a Fiat Bambina as Verdi steps into uncharted artistic territory, balancing character, drama and music in a way that set new standards for Italian opera.