Georg Friedrich Händel’s moving oratorio Theodora immerses us in a whirlwind of faith, resilience and sacrifice in the face of oppression. This production by the Teatro Real features musical direction by Ivor Bolton and stage direction by Katie Mitchell, who transposes the action from the Roman Empire to a modern embassy, starring Julia Bullock as Theodora, Iestyn Davies as Didymus and Joyce DiDonato as Irene.
Based on the work of the philosopher Robert Boyle, the plot recounts the tragedy of a Christian woman condemned to prostitution for refusing to take part in Roman sacrifices. The conflict takes a new turn when Theodora and her beloved Didymus face persecution together for their beliefs.
Title from the archive of Teatro Real, available to subscribers only.
Dramatic oratorio in three parts, HWV 68
Music by Georg Friedrich Händel (1685-1759)
Libretto by Thomas Morell, based on Robert Boyle's play, Love and Religion Demonstrated in the Martyrdom of Theodora and Didymus
Premiered at London's Covent Garden on 16 March 1750
Premiere at the Teatro Real in stage version
New production of the Teatro Real, in coproduction with the Royal Opera House
Artistic team
Conductor | Ivor Bolton
Stage director | Katie Mitchell
Set design | Chloe Lamford
Costumes | Sussie Juhlin-Wallén
Lighting and video | James Farncombe
Choreography | Sarita Piotrowski
Intimacy coordination | Ita O’Brian
Chorus master | José Luis Basso
Cast
Theodora | Julia Bullock
Irene | Joyce DiDonato
Didymus | Iestyn Davies
Septimius | Ed Lyon
Valens | Callum Thorpe
Messenger | Thando Mjandana
Teatro Real Chorus and Orchestra
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