A darkly satirical tale of power, privilege, and ruin in Handel’s hedonistic world of Semele.
In a world where wealth and excess reign supreme, Semele is drawn into a life of luxury through her passionate affair with Jupiter. Once a mere servant in his household, she now finds herself at the center of his affections, reveling in her newfound status. But Jupiter’s relentless pursuit of pleasure comes at a cost, and his jealous wife, Juno, is determined to exact her revenge. As Juno’s cunning plan unfolds, Semele’s dream of grandeur spirals into a nightmare of betrayal and destruction.
Oliver Mears’ bold new production brings an uncanny and darkly satirical lens to Handel’s 1744 opera, exploring themes of power, privilege, and downfall. This production is suitable for ages 16+.