Credits:

Paul Daniel

Description:

A British opera depicting the Rape of Lucretia, an event in the 6th century B.C.E. said to have marked the beginning of the end of the Roman monarchy. In the Roman camp, Coratinus, Tarquinius (Tarquinius Sextus), and Junius compete for the chastity of their wives. Then, the Etruscan prince Tarquinius, who had developed an illicit infatuation with Lucretiathe wife of Coratinus, whose chastity had been praisedattacks her in the middle of the night while her husband is away and rapes her. Lucrezia summons her husband back from the camp, confesses the humiliation she has suffered, and stabs herself with a sword, taking her own life. In this production, directed by David McVicar for English National Opera, the story centers on Lucrezia, an ordinary woman who could exist in any era or place. Sarah Connolly takes on the role with conviction, creating a taut and compelling stage presence.