Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece ”Rigoletto” on stage in two Polish theatres in May 2025
Giuseppe Verdi’s ”Rigoletto” is among the ten most frequently performed operas worldwide. Although it ranks tenth internationally, in Poland it holds a strong fifth place, according to Anna Litwin’s ranking. The opera tells the story of a court jester in Mantua who tries to protect his daughter, Gilda, from the Duke and the moral corruption of the world around them.
What makes Rigoletto a staple in opera houses across the globe, often staged at least once per season? Undoubtedly, it is the compelling plot — built on tragic misunderstandings — Verdi’s masterful musical dramaturgy, and a wealth of operatic “hits.” From the third act comes the world-famous aria “La donna è mobile,“ which quickly became one of the most recognizable melodies in opera. The same act features one of the most beautiful vocal quartets in operatic literature: “Bella figlia dell’amore, “ where each character — Rigoletto, Gilda, the Duke, and the innkeeper Maddalena — expresses a distinct emotional state.
In May, the tale of the jester who becomes a victim of his own schemes and pays the ultimate price will be brought to life on two Polish opera stages. At the Grand Theatre in Poznań, the title role of Rigoletto will be performed by Andrzej Dobber (May 8, 10, and 13) and Luis Cansino (May 9 and 11). At the Polish National Opera in Warsaw, Nikoloz Lagvilava (May 8 and 10) and Stepan Drobit (May 9 and 11) will take on the role.
The current Warsaw staging of “Rigoletto,” transferred to the Polish National Opera from La Scala in Milan, features lavish sets designed by legendary Italian scenographer Ezio Frigerio and historical costumes by Franca Squarciapino, and has been a crowd favorite for 28 years. In contrast, the Poznań production, which premiered in 2017, is the result of a collaboration between acclaimed designers Dorota Roqueplo (costumes) and Paweł Dobrzycki (set). Marcin Bortkiewicz makes his debut in opera directing.