Productions

A Baroque opera by G. F. Händel

Composer Georg Friedrich Händel
Librettist Nicola Francesco Haym
Musical director Risto Joost
Director Elmo Nüganen
Set designer Kristjan Suits (Tallinn City Theatre)
Costume designer Kristine Pasternaka (Latvian National Opera)
Lighting designer Rene Liivamägi
Director’s assistant Merle Jalakas
Cast Martin Karu (guest) or Sandra Laagus (guest), Märt Jakobson (guest) or Kristjan Häggblom, Dara Savinova (Swedish Royal Opera) or Karmen Puis, Oliver Kuusik (guest) or Rasmus Kull, Pirjo Jonas or Maria Listra (guest), Ivo Posti (guest) or Annaliisa Pillak (guest), Simo Breede or Taavi Tampuu (guest), Ka Bo Chan (guest) or Karis Trass (NO Estonia)
Vanemuine opera choir and symphony orchestra

The powerful ruler and military commander Julius Caesar is on a war campaign to Egypt when he meets the 19-year-old Cleopatra and falls in love. In her desire to rule Egypt, Cleopatra decides to seduce the enemy who tries to conquer her land, and claim the throne with the help of Caesar. The plan seems perfect but it has a fatal flaw. She did not plan on falling in love. In the turmoil of war, intrigues and chaos, Cleopatra and Caesar develop deep feelings for each other.

Written in 1724, this opera by G. F. Händel is considered a pearl among Baroque operas that has withstood the test of time and is frequently produced in major opera houses even today. This is the first production of Julius Caesar at the Vanemuine Theatre.

Performed in: Estonian
Surtitles: Estonian, English