THE ROYAL OPERA
Music Director
Director of Opera
A Co-production with Opéra national de Paris
Supported by Rolex
The position of Music Director Maestro Antonio Pappano is generously supported by Mrs Susan A. Olde OBE
Generous philanthropic support from Julia and Hans Rausing, Alan and Caroline Howard, Aud Jebsen, Beth Madison, John McGinn and Cary Davis, Martin and Jane Houston and Rena and Sandro Lavery
The role of Werther is underwritten by Mercedes T. Bass
The role of Werther is supported by The Lady Slynn of Hadley
The role of Sophie is supported by The Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation
The role of Charlotte is supported by John G. Turner and Jerry G. Fischer
The Youth Opera Company is supported by Yvonne And Bjarne Rieber and The Peters Family Foundation Cio
With additional generous philanthropic support from Spindrift Al Swaidi
IN MEMORY
This revival is dedicated to the memory of
Christian Gasc (1946–2022)
Werther
Drame Lyrique in Four Acts
20.06.2023 18:45
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
GUIDANCE
This production contains stylised depiction of suicide.
CREDITS
CAST
Due to illness, Jonas Kaufmann is unable to perform the role of Werther in this evening's performance. He will be replaced by Ioan Hotea.
Gabrielė Kupšytė is a Jette Parker Artist
Actors Fiona Eagle, Rebecca Hunt, Basil Patton, Vidal Sancho, Rosy Sanders
Children Josh Bortoloso, Nicolai Flutter, Liliana Kapinos, Holly Keefe, Raphy Laming, Mireille Larocque, Anastasia Meani, Arinzé Obi, Hope Shotton Offstage children from the Youth Opera Company
SYNOPSIS
Wetzlar, a village near Frankfurt, towards the end of the 18th century
Act I: The garden of the Bailli’s house; an evening in July
The Bailli is rehearsing his children in a Christmas carol. Two friends, Johann and Schmidt, arrive and congratulate the children. Sophie, the second daughter of the Bailli, appears and they all discuss the ball set for that evening. Mention is made of Werther, a young poet staying in the neighbourhood, and Schmidt asks after Albert, fiancé to the Bailli’s eldest daughter Charlotte, and who is soon to return to Wetzlar. Johann and Schmidt leave in anticipation of the evening’s drinking, the Bailli ushers his children indoors and Sophie goes to find Charlotte.
Werther arrives, overcome by the beauty and tranquillity of the surroundings; hearing the rehearsal indoors he muses on the children’s innocent happiness. Charlotte enters, and Werther watches unobserved as she gives the children their tea. The Bailli notices Werther and presents the children and Charlotte to him. Werther is moved by Charlotte’s devotion to the children. Charlotte and Werther leave for the ball; Albert arrives and is greeted by Sophie. He asks if he is still remembered after six months’ absence.
Orchestral interlude: Moonlight
Charlotte and Werther return from the dance. He declares his love for her, and she tells him how her mother’s early death has left her to take care of the family. Werther becomes increasingly passionate until the Bailli calls from the house that Albert is back. Charlotte tells Werther of her promise to her dying mother to marry Albert. Werther is plunged into despair.
Interval
Act II: A Sunday in October, outside a church in Wetzlar
Three months have passed and Charlotte is now settled in her marriage to Albert. As usual, Johann and Schmidt are drinking, while the organ can be heard from inside the church. Charlotte and Albert walk together to the Sunday service, observed by Werther who imagines the happiness with Charlotte that he has lost.
When Albert comes out of the church, he speaks kindly to Werther, acknowledging that he may have been in love with Charlotte before her marriage. Sophie interrupts the conversation by bringing a bunch of flowers for the Pastor, who is celebrating his golden wedding anniversary that day. Albert suggests that Werther consider marrying Sophie.
Charlotte arrives from the church. Werther’s obvious infatuation leads her to insist he leave and not return until Christmas. Werther’s immediate reaction is to think of suicide. He leaves. Albert, returning, sees Charlotte’s sadness at Werther’s departure. He understands that Werther is still in love with her.
Interval
Act III: Albert’s house on Christmas Eve
Missing Werther deeply, Charlotte rereads his letters to her and fears he might not return at Christmas. Sophie interrupts and tries in vain to console Charlotte. Left alone, Charlotte fervently prays to God for help. Werther appears in the doorway. Despite Charlotte’s efforts to resist, their meeting turns increasingly to one of passion. Overcome by guilt, she bids Werther a final farewell and rushes from the room.
Albert returns, aware that Werther has been there. He summons Charlotte and notices her distress. A message arrives from Werther requesting the loan of Albert’s pistols. Albert commands Charlotte to give them to the messenger. Realizing Werther’s intention, Charlotte rushes after him.
Orchestral interlude: Christmas Eve
Act IV: Werther’s study later the same evening
Werther has shot himself. Charlotte arrives to find him dying, and confesses her love for him. Before he dies, he tells her where he wishes to be buried.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
André Callegaro is a Jette Parker Artist
THE ROYAL OPERA
Patron
Music Director
Director of Opera
Director of Casting
Administrative Director
DIGITAL CAST SHEETS
We are working to make the Royal Opera House more sustainable. To do this, some of the ways in which we share information have changed, including cast sheets.
You can view the digital cast sheets on a computer, tablet or smartphone. You can also download and print the digital cast sheet. Check the digital cast sheet for the most up-to-date information before the performance starts, during the interval, or after the performance day.
Scan the QR codes displayed around the building with a smartphone to view the latest digital cast sheets. The cast sheets are also displayed on screens outside the auditoria.
Cast sheets generously supported by the Royal Opera House Endowment Fund.
GUIDELINES
Photography and filming are prohibited during performances in any of our auditoriums. You are welcome to take pictures throughout the rest of the building and before performances and share them with us through social media. Commercial photography and filming must be agreed in advance with our press team.
Larger bags and backpacks need to be check into our complimentary cloakrooms. Unattended bags may be removed.
Please do not place any personal belongings on the ledges in front of you.
Only bottled water and ice cream purchased from the premises can be taken into the auditorium.
If you arrive late to the auditorium or leave during a performance, you will not be allowed back to your seat until the interval or a suitable break.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the premises.
The safety of our visitors, staff and artists is still our priority. There are hand sanitiser stations throughout the building. To help us provide a comfortable experience for everyone, please be mindful of others and their personal space.
Our staff are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect and we ask that you show them and your fellow audience members respect too. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach in response to anyone who interacts with our staff or with fellow audience members in an intimidating, aggressive or threatening manner.
SUPPORT OUR ONGOING RECOVERY
We are so glad to welcome our artists back to our theatres to perform for you the opera and ballet you love. During the pandemic we lost £3 in every £5 of our income and we continue to feel the impact as we recover. Sustaining the future of ballet and opera has never been so important. Please consider making a donation to the Royal Opera House community today and help support the future of ballet and opera.