UN BALLO IN MASCHERA

About the show

A murderous affair. Director Philipp Stölzl makes his Royal Opera debut with a playfully surreal new production, featuring costumes by Antony McDonald. Charles Castronovo, Malin Byström, Aleksei Isaev, Anita Rachvelishvili and Kseniia Nikolaieva star, with Jakub Hrůša conducting. King Gustavo III is tormented by his love for Amelia, the wife of his closest friend Count Anckarstroem. His conscience prevents him from acting on his desire, but his mind is powerless to his passion. When Anckarstroem warns Gustavo of a deadly conspiracy taking shape, Gustavo ignores the threat. A visit to the fortune-teller Madame Ulrica Arvidson reveals good news: Amelia returns the king’s feelings. But Ulrica also warns that the next man to shake Gustavo’s hand will be his killer – and that man happens to be Anckarstroem.