Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci

Commonly referred to as "Cav and Pag," the “duo” of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci are two timeless Italian operas that are often staged together. These operas, created by Pietro Mascagni and Ruggero Leoncavallo respectively, fall under the category of verismo opera, telling realistic and emotionally charged tales of everyday life. In Cavalleria Rusticana, themes of love, betrayal and revenge unfold in a Sicilian village while Pagliacci explores the tragic consequences of jealousy and infidelity amongst a travelling troupe of actors. Pagliacci features the renowned aria "Vesti La Giubba," expressing the agony of a clown who hides his personal suffering behind a mask. Both works have been praised for their captivating melodies and powerful narratives, which create a striking theatrical experience in this double-bill.

Nikos Karathanos, a highly respected director in Greek theatre, is at the wheel of this new production of Cav and Pag, an attempt which also marks his debut in the repertoire opera. The internationally renowned Italian conductor Antonello Allemandi, in his first collaboration with the Greek National Opera, will be conducting the production.