Ruth Leon recommends… Handel’s Theodora – Royal Opera

Handel’s Theodora – Royal Opera

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I’m recommending this production of Handel’s  own favorite of all his oratorios with some trepidation because the director, not my favourite, has transposed the action from 4th-century Antioch under Roman rule to the present day, and cast Theodora and Irene as employees plotting to destroy the Roman embassy, where they work as cooks. Doesn’t sound promising, does it?u

But what a cast! After an absence of nearly three centuries  Theodora returns to Covent Garden with Joyce DiDonato, Jakub Józef Orliński, and Julia Bullock  taking top billing. This rarely performed work was first heard in 1750 — on this very same stage — before largely falling into obscurity until the 20th century when it was rediscovered to much critical and public acclaim.

InTheodora, the governor Valens orders his citizens, on pain of death, to celebrate the emperor Diocletian’s birthday by making a sacrifice to two Roman goddesses. Theodora (soprano Julia Bullock) and her friend Irene (mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato), both Christians, face a dilemma: obey and keep their lives, or refuse and meet their end as martyrs?

Theodora decides to contravene the order but finds herself condemned to prostitution in the temple of Venus. Officer Didymus (countertenor Jacub Josef Orlinski), a secret Christian convert in love with Theodora, helps her escape in disguise — but she then learns that he has been imprisoned, and that the governor is now calling for her death. She returns to plead for Didymus’s life, but the governor may refuse to show clemency…

Whatever indignities are imposed on them by Katie Mitchell’s 2022 staging at the Royal Opera House, this top-notch cast, conducted by Harry Bicket, are worth hearing under any circumstances.

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