Ballo
In 1857 Giuseppe Verdi accepted a commission from the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples. The composer had long wanted to write an opera based on Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear. But the theater was unable to invite the singers and vocalists Verdi felt could adequately convey his vision. “Il Ballo in Maschera” was born as a compromise. The spectacular plot of the assassination of Swedish King Gustav III had already been successfully tested on the public: in 1833 Daniel Auber wrote an opera to a libretto by French playwright Eugène Scribe that was based on the story. And the cast of characters was within the standards of a typical Italian opera company.
The plot of the opera has all the qualities needed to captivate audiences: a twisting suspense that interweaves a love triangle with a political conspiracy, vivid characters, strong passions, poignant situations and impressive theatrical effects-a scene of witchcraft, a love duet in a night court where executions take place, and a murder in front of a masquerade ball. As Giuseppe Verdi himself commented, “The drama is brilliant, and entirely in the morals of our time.”
PLACE Via Giordano Rota, 1, 20149 Milan, Italy
RUN TIME 1 hour and 30 minutes, including an intermission
Please arrive on time. Latecomers cannot be admitted until the first intermission and there is no readmission.
AGE RECOMMENDATION This production contains moments and themes that may be unsuitable for children, including non-graphic depiction of suicide, hints of suicide, and rare mentions of death, war, and slavery. Children under the age of four may not be admitted. All persons 16 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult and may not sit alone in the auditorium.
CONTENT WARNINGS This production has instances of flashing lights and some video effects that can cause dizziness. There will be moments of total darkness. (Duration 15 seconds) The production contains moments and themes that some people may find distressing. This includes non-graphic depictions of suicide and hints of suicide. There are also infrequent references to death, war, and slavery.
The producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist. The schedule is subject to change and may be affected by contracts, vacations, illness, or events beyond the producers' control.
For any other questions, please visit our page of the FAQ. Enjoy your visit to our theater.
