Nardus Williams will lead the English National Opera (ENO)’s production of Handel’s classic love quadrangle, Partenope, when it returns to the London Coliseum this November.
Williams will play the eponymous arch socialite, with the three suitors vying for Partenope’s affections, Arsace, Emilio and Armindo, played by Hugh Cutting, Ru Charlesworth and Jake Ingbar, respectively.
A charming concoction of romantic complications and gender confusion, Partenope tells the story of four rival suitors in pursuit of Queen Partenope’s love. Handel‘s first comic opera was written in 1730 and marked a departure in style for the composer of Giulio Cesare, Alcina and Rinaldo. His captivating score is packed full of memorable arias and expressive ensemble pieces. While it was revived several times during Handel’s lifetime, Partenope dropped out of the repertoire in the centuries following his death; the opera saw a revival in the 20th century, however, and is now appreciated for its wit and musical inventiveness.
A coproduction with Opera Australia, it is presented with the original partnership of Christopher Alden and Christian Curnyn resuming their roles as director and conductor respectively.
British soprano Williams, countertenor Cutting, tenor Charlesworth and American countertenor Ingbar are joined on stage by British mezzo-soprano Katie Bray, singing the role of Rosmira, Arsace’s jilted former fiancée, and British bass William Thomas as the messenger Ormonte.
Set design for Partenope is by Andrew Lieberman and costume design is by Jon Morrell. Adam Silverman is the production’s lighting designer, with Marc Rosette as the revival lighting designer. Claire Glaskin is the movement director and Elaine Brown is the revival movement and intimacy director.
Since its opening in 2008, Partenope has been presented internationally at Opera Australia, San Francisco Opera and Teatro Real de Madrid. Inspired by surrealist artists including Salvador Dali and Man Ray, the production updates Handel’s original plot to a 1920s Paris high society setting.
The production opens on Thursday, November 20 for six performances. Tickets here.