If you think opera’s not for you, think again! Here are our top five reasons why Opera North’s new Rigoletto is a definite for every bucket list – and there’s an opportunity to see it at a price that suits you!
1. A name to watch
‘Blake Denson dominates the stage physically and vocally as Rigoletto’ (The Reviews Hub). Here’s a singer who definitely needs to be heard to be believed. Utterly compelling in the title role, Blake Denson is an American baritone making his UK, Opera North AND role debut as Rigoletto – and he’s doing it in a way which is already making waves: ‘Blake Denson is splendidly defiant’ (The Stage)
Rather than having a physical disability as is traditionally the case, this version sees Rigoletto struggling with the paranoia of being a Black man in a predominantly white world. Informed by the society British-Nigerian director Femi Elufowoju jr was born into, and continues to live in, as a Black man, it gives the opera ‘a fiercely contemporary edge’ (The Daily Telegraph)
Blake Denson as Rigoletto © Richard H Smith
2. Common themes
The themes in Rigoletto are exactly the same as you’d find in any good Netflix series*: relationships, the abuse of power, misogyny, the love between father and daughter, loyalty, anger and revenge.
The difference here is that you get to watch the story acted out in front of you live on stage, which makes everything seem much more immediate and visceral. The set is visually stunning – bright, bold and cinematic – and, of course, the action is accompanied by the singers’ unbelievable voices which carry to the back of the auditorium without a microphone in sight.
*You might spot some visual references to Netflix shows as you watch the opera!
Raven McMillon as Gilda © Richard H Smith
3. Memorable music
Talking of music, Verdi really knew how to compose a tune and in Rigoletto he surpasses himself with his use of different musical styles to reflect each person’s personality and standing in society.
You may well recognise ‘La donna è mobile’ from a certain Doritos advert. Even if it’s not familiar, the drama and power of the score played by the Orchestra of Opera North add a whole extra dimension to the action taking place on stage: ‘the live orchestra is monumental’ (Jackstage)
It’s just one of the resons why Rigoletto continues to be one of the most performed operas worldwide.
Leonardo Sánchez as the Duke of Mantua and Blake Denson as Rigoletto © Richard H Smith
4. A chilling curse
A curse lies at the heart of Rigoletto and, in the hands of Femi Elufowoju jr, it carries even more weight than usual:
‘From my cultural background, when you are cursed, you are genuinely cursed. I want this moment to resonate for the characters whose ethnicity has familiarity with the “curse phenomenon”. Rigoletto, Gilda, Monterone, Marullo and the Countess Ceprano are sung by people of colour. These characters are aware of the power and impact of the curse and their response is infectious.’
After the curse is uttered, it’s clear that things can never be the same again. It only remains to see how everything plays out.
Sir Willard White as Monterone © Richard H Smith
5. Affordable tickets
On Wednesday 28 October at 6.30pm, we’re holding a ‘Pay what you can‘ performance where you can watch the full opera from as little as £5. Not only that, but there will be a few fun extras. Fancy another date? Students and Under 30s can take advantage of £15 tickets to any performance of their choice throughout the run in Leeds and on tour.
Once you’ve booked your tickets, don’t forget to find out more about the opera before you go with our handy Rigoletto in a nutshell guide. While the opera is sung in Italian, an English translation is displayed to each side and above the stage so you’ll definitely be able to understand what’s going on as the story develops. It only remains to enjoy your night at the opera.
Themba Mvula as Marullo with Ross McInroy as Count Ceprano (behind) and members of the Chorus of Opera North © Richard H Smith
Rigoletto runs at Leeds Grand Theatre until 31 October after which it tours to Newcastle Theatre Royal, Lowry at Salford and Theatre Royal, Nottingham.
