Boris Godunov - Royal Ballet and Opera

Boris Godunov - Royal Ballet and Opera description

The Royal Opera House is your venue for Richard Jones' popular production of Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky's powerful opera, Boris Godunov. Bryn Terfel stars as the troubled Tsar, and your conductor is Mark Wigglesworth. The story? Tsar Godunov took a bloody, violent route to power, killing nine year old Dmitry, the boy who was meant to take the throne, along the way. As famine stalks the land, he becomes more troubled by his dirty deeds. Meanwhile, in Poland, a young usurper is waiting to grab the crown. As Russia descends into chaos, Boris loses the plot and the ghosts of his past come to haunt him. They want revenge – will they succeed?

The real Tsar Boris Godunov ruled Russia from 1598 to 1605. The opera is inspired by the 1825 tragedy by Alexander Pushkin, who was in turn inspired by William Shakespeare's work. No wonder this opera is so dark, disturbing and compelling. Composer Modest Mussorgsky, who also wrote the libretto, was one of five Russian composers who wanted to set up a national school of music in their country. Sadly, he died at age 42 from a lifetime's alcoholism. Your director is Richard Jones. Set designer Miriam Buether joins costume designer Nicky Gillibrand, lighting designer Mimi Jordan Sherin and movement director Ben Wright to complete the creative team. Walk this way for a memorable story harking back to a four hundred year old real-life story.

Playing at Royal Opera House (venue info)

Performance Times for Boris Godunov - Royal Ballet and Opera