Skip to main content

Main navigation

A clown in a suit and a woman in a black dress.

Rigoletto

13 – 26 June 2023

Opera Australia’s much-loved production returns, complete with its glamorous La Dolce Vita-inspired sets and costumes, and a scene-stealing Fiat 500. 

Rigoletto and La Traviata have proven to be among the most enduring and popular of Opera Australia’s repertoire.

Sydney Morning Herald

Royalty, devotion, lust and revenge: this opera has everything

At the Duke’s infamous parties, one man’s words light the darkness with a sinister glitter. Among the glamorous girls and greasy gangsters, Rigoletto serves his master with sharp wits and averted eyes.

From the moment he wrote it, Verdi knew he had a hit on his hands. The story has everything: royalty, loyalty, devotion, lust and revenge.

And the music? The music is sensational, so full of hummable tunes that Verdi demanded complete secrecy from his premiere cast. The tenor was forbidden from even whistling the catchy ‘La donna è mobile’ outside of rehearsals.

The morning after Rigoletto’s triumphant premiere, that melody rang out in the streets: a hit for ever after. The title character Verdi called the “greatest creation” in the history of theatre had found a home in a masterpiece of music.

Elijah Moshinsky’s much-loved production of Rigoletto returns to the Sydney Opera House stage, complete with its glamorous La Dolce Vita-inspired sets and costumes and scene-stealing Fiat 500. The revolving dolls-house style set gives a cinematic detail to each scene.

Opera Australia have assembled a brilliant cast led by Verdi master Renato Palumbo. Ernesto Petti is the tortured jester at the heart of Verdi’s masterpiece.

Presented by Opera Australia

Trailer

Artist Information

Creative team

Conductor 
Renato Palumbo

Director 
Elijah Moshinsky

Revival Director 
Shane Placentino

Set & Costume Designer 
Michael Yeargan

Lighting Designer 
Robert Bryan

Cast

Rigoletto 
Ernesto Petti

Duke of Mantua 
Atalla Ayan

Gilda 
Stacey Alleaume

Monterone 
David Parkin

Sparafucile 
Roberto Scandiuzzi

Maddalena 
Sian Sharp

Marullo 
Luke Gabbedy

Borsa 
Virgilio Marino

Ceprano 
Anthony Mackey

Giovanna 
Sian Sharp

Countess Ceprano 
Ruth Strutt

Page 
Jennifer Bonner

Usher 
Nathan Lay

Other information

You may also like

A white woman with a messy, curly ponytail and wearing a beige blazer looks worried at the camera while holding the handle of a sword.
25 Jun - 16 Aug 2024 Opera

Tosca

A thriller with sensational music, opera’s best villain and an unforgettable ending, Tosca will keep you on the edge of your seat.

24 Mar - 21 Apr 2024 Musical Theatre

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: West Side Story

Experience the greatest score ever written for musical theatre, dynamic dance numbers that soar through the open air, and a love story for the ages.

Three ballerinas in silhouette wear tutus with one arm stretched in front of them and one leg pointed behind them.
3 - 18 May 2024 Dance

Études / Circle Electric

In an entrancing double bill, The Australian Ballet presents a beloved classic that shows you the complexity of ballet technique, alongside a spectacular contemporary commission.

Checking availability