This August Seattle Opera presents Lindy Hume’s production of RIGOLETTO, originally created for New Zealand Opera in 2012. Designed by Richard Roberts and lit by Jason Morphett, this RIGOLETTO sets the Victor Hugo story which inspired Giuseppe Verdi’s amazing music in an uncomfortably recognizable modern world of haves and have-nots, power-hungry men and disadvantaged women.

On July 23, Hume discussed her production with Seattle Opera Dramaturg Jonathan Dean. They talked about the curse, the cruelty of laughter, and what happens when you produce an old-fashioned opera like RIGOLETTO in a post-#MeToo world. Hume shared fascinating insights into RIGOLETTO’s female characters, not just Gilda and Maddalena (the archetypal virgin and whore) but also Countess Ceprano, Monterone’s daughter, Giovanna the housekeeper, the Duchess, and the Page. This podcast features highlights from their conversation.