The stage version of this Baroque oratorio by Händel is brought to Spain for the first time, with Katie Mitchell making her debut at the Real. Her production offers a provocative, contemporary reading that highlights themes of religious fanaticism and violence.
The action takes place during the Roman Empire. Theodora is a Christian and falls in love with the Roman officer Didymus; they form a bond based on love and Christian faith. Together they face persecution for their beliefs. The final duet, when they are both executed, Streams of pleasure ever flowing, is especially beautiful.
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Dramatic oratorio in three parts, HWV 68
Music by Georg Friedrich Händel (1685-1759)
Libretto by Thomas Morell, based on Robert Boyle's play, Love and Religion Demonstrated in the Martyrdom of Theodora and Didymus
Premiered at London's Covent Garden on 16 March 1750
Premiere at the Teatro Real in stage version
New production of the Teatro Real, in coproduction with the Royal Opera House
Artistic team
Musical conductor: Ivor Bolton
Stage director: Katie Mitchell
Set design: Chloe Lamford
Costumes: Sussie Juhlin-Wallén
Lighting and video: James Farncombe
Choreography: Sarita Piotrowski
Intimacy coordination: Ita O’Brian
Chorus master: José Luis Basso
Cast
Theodora: Julia Bullock
Irene: Joyce DiDonato
Didymus: Iestyn Davies
Septimius: Ed Lyon
Valens: Callum Thorpe
Messenger: Thando Mjandana
Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro Real
This production may contain explicit presentation of scenes of sexual violence, harassment and exploitation and themes evocation of themes of terrorism
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