Cast

Creative Team

Synopsis

The story takes place in the court of the Duke of Mantua, a libertine nobleman who pursues numerous romantic conquests without regard for the suffering he causes. His jester, Rigoletto, assists him in his intrigues and takes pleasure in mocking the men betrayed by the Duke, earning the hatred of many courtiers. Count Monterone, father of one of the Duke’s victims, places a curse on Rigoletto, which echoes ominously as a dark omen. 

Outside the court, Rigoletto leads a secret life. Though he is feared and despised for his role as a jester, he is also a tender and protective father. His daughter, Gilda, lives hidden away in a secluded neighborhood, as Rigoletto fears she might be corrupted by the depraved world he frequents. However, the Duke accidentally discovers Gilda’s whereabouts and, under a false identity, seduces her. Naive and sheltered, Gilda falls in love with this man she believes to be honorable. 

The nobles, who despise Rigoletto, plan to take revenge on him. Believing they are abducting his mistress, they kidnap Gilda and deliver her to the Duke. Rigoletto, devastated by this revelation, swears to make the Duke pay. He hires Sparafucile, a hitman, to carry out his revenge. However, Gilda, despite the betrayal, still loves the Duke, and upon overhearing the murder plan, decides to sacrifice herself to save him. She takes his place in the ambush, and Sparafucile kills her instead. 

In the final act, Rigoletto receives what he believes to be the Duke’s body, only to discover with horror that it is Gilda’s. Monterone’s curse comes true; in trying to protect and avenge his daughter, he has contributed to her downfall.