It has been eleven years since Rigoletto was last staged in Gothenburg, at Stora Teatern in 1993. There has been great demand for Verdi's masterpiece and it is a joy to be able to offer this new production during our anniversary season. The cynical jester Rigoletto tries with every available means to save his daughter, the only one he loves, from the Duke's amorous courting.

Verdi's opera opened in Venice in 1851, during a time when censors were vigilant. With the social criticism in mind, Verdi decided to let the story play out in the 16th century. But the opera really deals with the eternal questions of power, love and deceit and has a lot to say about today's society. Director Vilppu Kiljunen draws parallels in his production and asks uncomfortable questions like who is today's Duke, who is the jester and who is the innocent victim?