Rigoletto

Rigoletto has enjoyed a lasting appeal because of the wide spectrum of life and emotion that it employs in its drama.  One of Verdi’s strengths is his powerful depictions of youth and old age, satirising and honouring both in equal measure.  However, whereas in Falstaff and La Bohème there appears to be sympathy and celebration, Rigoletto offers an uncompromisingly dark outlook on life and love. The contrast of the wistful hedonism of the Dukes’ La Donna è Mobile with the Jester’s ugly suffering offers a poignant reminder as to the flimsy conditions that youth and relationships are built on.

Despite this, Eddie Wade, due to sing the part of Rigoletto, still believes it to be "one of the most approachable operas."  It is Wade’s debut in the role, something he has been working towards his whole career:  "It’s a tour de force," he enthuses, "[Rigoletto] is the pinnacle of Verdi baritone."  Wade explains that the production has given the opera a modern edge and brought out darker elements of the story: “My character is darker than normally portrayed… the relationship with his daughter is uneasy.  He doesn’t want to touch her, it’s like he’s coveting her."

Appearing alongside Wade is Nadine Livingston, who you might remember in her stellar performance as Musetta in last year’s La Bohème, whilst Tobias Ringborg takes up the conducting duties.

Read The Skinny's review of Rigoletto here.