Rigoletto

The Greek National Opera’s first major summer production for 2022, Giuseppe Verdi’s darkly menacing masterpiece Rigoletto, conducted by Lukas Karytinos and directed by Katerina Evangelatos, is to be presented at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on 02, 05, 08 and 11 June as part of the Athens Epidaurus Festival.

First performed 171 years ago in Venice, Rigoletto has proven itself one of the most popular operas in the repertoire.

The story tells of Gilda, daughter of the hunchbacked court jester Rigoletto, and her love for the dissolute Duke of Mantua, who introduces himself to her in the guise of a poor student. To take his revenge on the Duke for seducing his daughter, Rigoletto plots his murder. On discovering her father’s plans, Gilda decides to save her beloved by taking his place and sacrificing her own life.

Conducting is the acclaimed maestro and artistic director of the Athens State Orchestra, Lukas Karytinos. The entirely Greek cast features such internationally acclaimed leads as Dimitris Tiliakos in the title role, Christina Poulitsi, Dimitris Paksoglou, Petros Magoulas, Mary-Ellen Nesi, and others.

This production is made possible by a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) to enhance the GNO’s artistic outreach.