The play Le roi s’amuse was written by Victor Hugo in 1832
and performed once at La Comédie Française before being forbidden by the
censorship organizations because it was too critical toward the
monarchy of the time (King Louis Philippe).
In 1851, Giuseppe Verdi created Rigoletto whose libretto is based on Le roi s’amuse. Just like Hugo but twenty years later, Verdi was also subject to censorship in the Austro Hungarian empire.
In partnership with Boston Lyric Opera and Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts, we invite you to explore the story of Rigoletto from its French origins in the Victor Hugo play Le roi s’amuse to Verdi’s adaptation for the Italian opera stage.
Find out what's happening in Back Baywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
See selections of performances from both works, discover the
political scandal surrounding the original productions about the tragic
court jester and join a lively conversation with wine and lite bites
with fellow arts and culture lovers.
Reception to follow
Find out what's happening in Back Baywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
About BLO
Boston Lyric Opera is the largest opera company in all of New
England. Now in its 37th season, BLO celebrates the art of the voice
through its mission of building curiosity, enthusiasm and support for
opera by creating musically and theatrically compelling productions,
events, and educational resources for the Boston community and beyond.
Since its founding in 1976, the company has staged world premieres, U.S.
premieres, co-productions and co-commissions of note with organizations
such as The Royal Opera, Covent Garden and Scottish Opera, and
continues to be a destination for some of the leading artists,
conductors, directors and designers from around the world.
Both locally and beyond, Boston Lyric Opera leads the way in
celebrating the art of the voice through innovative programming and
community engagement programs that are redefining the opera-going
experience.
About Dante Alighieri Society
The Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts is a non-profit
organization whose objective is to promote and foster Italian language
and culture.
For that purpose, they are helping to develop an appreciation of
Italian achievements in the arts, literature, science, and industry as
well as promoting the study of the Italian language and a spirit of
understanding among people through the arts and other cultural
activities.
There are currently over 450 "Dante Societies" around the world with their headquarters in Rome.
French Cultural Center Members: Free
BLO subscribers and members of the Dante Alighieri Society: Free
Non-Members: $5.00
