Insights into The Royal Opera's new production of Handel's Theodora

Julia Bullock, Joyce DiDonato and Jakub Józef Orliński star in Katie Mitchell’s thrilling new production of Handel’s Theodora. In an alternative modern-day reality, Theodora, a religious fundamentalist, plots for the resistance against the Roman occupation. But when her secret plan to destroy the Roman embassy is discovered, she learns the true brutality of her oppressors.

Not heard in Covent Garden since its 1750 premiere, and sung in the original English libretto by Thomas Morell, Theodora is a tour de force for soloists and chorus alike, with ensembles, duets and arias of profound depth and beauty. This new interpretation, conducted by Baroque specialist Harry Bicket, shines a new, feminist light on the story.

This Insight is supported by Rolex

[rivkalevy]

Wonderful and very i interesting program. Loved it! Bravo to all, and thank you for sharing🌷👍

[Sapphonouveau]

I really hope Theodora will be available via the streaming platform. Had to miss out on watching it in person, alas!

[e.v.]

No me canso de escuchar a Katherine, su maravillosa interpretación del aria. Bravisima!!👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋

[luciavitale]

Molto interessante e coinvolgente, grazie.

[KWT]

The 1750 production was *not* the only one at Covent Garden: a performance took place there on 5 Mar. 1755. The claim that the 1749 production of _Susanna_ was the only one at Covent Garden until its recent revival is also erroneous: it was performed on there 9 Mar. 1759.

[sarahstacpoole]

Loved the music and the performances, but what a bloody awful production. There is no justification spiritually, culturally or historically for a ‘feminist’ slant on this, but to change the ending is utterly unforgivable as it contradicts te music.