Aida: directed by Francesco Micheli

Aida, opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi and libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni. 

The AIDA directed by Francesco Micheli, which returns to the Sferisterio after three years, is a retelling of the well-known story of the Ethiopian princess and Radamès, as if from a modern Book of the Dead. The story of AIDA comes back to life in the most traditional Oriental-like style set design. Huge modern coloured projections whose meanings are communicated by the different characters through their songs and words, transform the opera into a sort of manifesto.

The performance is divided in two parts: 80 minutes for the first and 63 minutes for the second, with a 20-minute break in between.

  • Aida
    Maria Pia Piscitelli
  • Amneris
    Sonia Ganassi
  • Radamès
    Stefano La Colla
  • Amonasro
    Stefano Meo
  • Ramfis
    Giacomo Prestia
  • Il Re
    Cristian Saitta
  • Un messaggero
    Enrico Cossutta
  • Una sacerdotessa
    Federica Vitali
Conductor Riccardo Frizza
 
Direction Francesco Micheli
 
Scenes Edoardo Sanchi
 
Drawings Francesca Ballarini
 
Costumes Silvia Aymonino
 
Lights Fabio Barettin
 
Choreographies Monica Casadei
 
Fondazione Orchestra Regionale delle Marche
Coro Lirico Marchigiano “V.Bellini”
Complesso di palcoscenico Banda “Salvadei”
Compagnia Artemis Danza
 
Co-production with Teatro Comunale of Bologna

SYNOPSIS OF AIDA

Act I. Outside of the royal palace near Memphis, Ramfis informs Radames that armies from Ethiopia are making their way towards the Nile valley. Radames expresses his hope of being appointed the commander of Egypt’s army where he can lead his troops to victory, as well as rescue Aida, his Ethiopian lover captured by Egyptian troops. Unbeknownst to him, as well as the rest of Egypt, Aida is the daughter of Ethiopia’s king, Amonasro. Since her capture, Aida has served as slave to the Egyptian princess, Amneris. Amneris is in love Radames, but senses he is in love with another woman. It isn’t long before Amneris figures out who the mystery woman is when she sees the longing glances shared between him and Aida. Amneris maintains her composure, masking her deep-rooted jealousy, and continues to keep Aida as her slave. The king of Egypt arrives and announces that Ramfis’ information was correct and that Ethiopian troops, lead by the King of Ethiopia himself, have already made their way into Thebes.The king appoints Radames as the leader of the army while simultaneously declaring war on Ethiopia. An overjoyed Radames makes his way to the temple to complete his coronation ritual. Left alone in the hall, Aida becomes distraught as she is forced to choose between her Egyptian lover and her father and country.

Act II. After their victorious battle, Radames and his troops return from Thebes. Inside Amneris’ chambers, she has her slaves entertain her in light of the battle. Doubting her suspicions of Aida and Radames, she decides to test Aida. She dismisses all of her slaves except for Aida, and tells her that Radames has died in battle. Aida breaks down into tears and confesses her love for Radames, which instantly infuriates Amneris, who vows revenge.

Radames makes his triumphant return to Memphis, marching through the city with his troops, while the captured Ethiopians trail behind. Aida sees her captured father and rushes to his side. He makes her promise not to reveal their true identities. The King of Egypt, so delighted with Radames’ performance, honors him by granting him anything he asks for. Before Radames can make his request, Amonasro declares that the King of Ethiopia was killed in battle and asks the Egyptian king to set them free. The people of Egypt, however, join in chant asking for their death and the King grants their desires. In order to save his lover’s life, Radames cashes in on the King’s generosity and asks him to spare the lives of the Ethiopians. The King happily grants him his request and declares Radames his successor and future husband of Princess Amneris.

Aida and her father are taken into custody to prevent any Ethiopian revolt.

Act III. As preparations are made for the upcoming wedding between Radames and Amneris, Aida waits for Radames outside of the temple in an previously agreed upon spot. Aida’s father, Amonasro, finds her and pressures her to find out where the Egyptian army is being kept. Feeling homesick, she agrees to her fathers wishes. When Radames comes out of the temple to meet Aida, Amonrasro hides and eavesdrops on their conversation. At first the lovers talk about their future lives together, but after Aida asks, he tells her where the army is located. Amonasro comes out of hiding and reveals his identity to Radames just as Amneris and the High Priest come out of the temple. Before Aida and Amonasro escape, Aida pleads for Radames to follow them.

Instead, Radames submits himself to Amneris and the High Priest as a traitor.

Act IV. Frustrated with Radames, Amneris pleads with him to deny his accusations. Full of pride and love for his country, he does not. He accepts his punishment, but is happy to know that Aida and her father have escaped. This hurts Amneris even more. She tells him that she will save him if he renounces his love for Aida, but again, he refuses. The High Priest and his court condemn Radames to death by being buried alive. Amneris begs for their mercy, but they do not budge.

Radames is taken to the lowest level in the temple and is sealed away into a dark tomb. Moments after being locked away, he hears someone breathing in a dark corner; it is Aida. She confesses her love for him and has chosen to die with him. The two embrace as Amneris weeps several floors above them.

Le date

  • Sunday 30 JUL H 21:00
  • Saturday 5 Aug H 21:00
  • Friday 11 Aug H 21:00
  • Monday 14 Aug H 21:00

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