Cavalli: Eliogabalo

Cavalli: Eliogabalo presents a bold narrative, systematically overturning accepted morals. The opera features Elagabalus dressing men as women and appointing women to the Senate, highlighting the character’s complex nature. The production is baroque and carnivalesque, with an emphasis on the contradictions and ambiguities of its central figure.

With Paul Groves in the cast, this performance from the Opéra National de Paris is notable for its artistic interpretation. Conducted by Leonardo García Alarcón, the production avoids glorifying Elagabalus, instead presenting a nuanced exploration of his actions and the societal implications. This approach makes it significant within the realm of contemporary opera.