Alcina

When knights-errant aren’t currently fencing with “heathens”, they are of course entangling themselves in risky amorous adventures. And so it is with Ruggiero, entrapped by the spell of the sorceress, Alcina, who changes her adversaries and ex-lovers into stones, plants and animals, or anything that takes her fancy. With the help of his beloved Bradamante, who has followed him here, Ruggiero frees both himself and all others held bewitched on the island.

Georg Frideric Handel dominated London’s Covent Garden Theatre in the 1734/1735 season. Along with three oratorios, he staged five operas here, which included two world premieres, both of which were based on episodes from Ariosto’s epic poem, Orlando furioso (The Furious Roland): “Ariodante”, and of course, “Alcina”. Handel’s last great opera success in London is an extra special synthesis of the arts. Alcina’s magic island is bustling with elements of singing, pantomime, dance and mechanical theatre. A further powerful sign of life in the fascinating field of baroque opera, presented by the Gärtnerplatztheater.