The most famous lovers ever: virtually mythical figures, Romeo and Juliette from Shakespeare’s eponymous drama have dominated world literature ever since its premiere in 1597. Among the many musical settings of the work, Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette is one of the most performed. It was a triumphant success already at its premiere as part of the 1867 Paris Exposition. Gounod focuses particularly on the emotional life of the two lovers, for whom he composes no fewer than four love duets. At the same time, he also explores the social context of their forbidden love in the form of powerful choral tableaux and a large fight scene between the enemy families. In this production, director Mariame Clément will place the focus on the youth of the title characters, presenting them not as an exaggerated ideal of a couple, but as young people of today who find their way to another despite all odds.

approx. 3:15 hrs including one interval

Artists/Collaborators: Charles Gounod (Komponist/in), Jules Barbier und Michel Carré (Autor/in)

Runtime: Sat, 24/05/2025 to Sat, 21/06/2025

Prologue

Once upon a time, there was a story of two lovers from enemy families ...

First Act

The Capulets celebrate the birthday of their daughter Juliette. Secretly disguised in costume, several members of the Montaigu family, enemies of the Capulets, have mixed in with the hosting family. One of them is Roméo, who is immediately struck by Juliette’s beauty. Unaware who she is, he speaks to her and confesses his affection. Juliette’s cousin Tybalt soon realizes that the Montaigus are present. As Tybalt swears revenge, the Montaigus leave the party.

Second Act

Roméo returns to the house of the Montaigus to see Juliette again. He witnesses a monologue in which Juliette admits that she has also fallen in love with him. When both declare their love for one another, they are interrupted by a group of Capulets who have followed Roméo. When they leave, Juliette asks Roméo to let her know the next morning when and where they can marry.

Third Act

Roméo and Juliette ask Frère Laurent to marry them. The priest hopes in this way to put an end to the feud between the Capulets and the Montaigus. He solemnly celebrates the marriage ceremony.

Roméo’s friend Stéphano provokes the Capulets with a mocking song, triggering a brawl between the Capulets and the Montaigus. Roméo tries to keep the two families apart, but is forced to witness how Tybalt kills his friend Mercutio. Roméo loses control and avenges Mercutio’s death by killing Tybalt. The public skirmish comes to the attention of the Duke of Verona, who casts judgement on Roméo: for killing Tybalt, he is banished from the city.

Fourth Act

Roméo and Juliette spend their wedding night together, only separated by the approach of dawn. After Roméo’s departure, Juliette learns from her father that Tybalt’s last wish was that she marry Count Pâris. In desperation, Juliette asks Frère Laurent for help. He suggests drinking a potion that will put her to a death-like sleep right before the forced wedding. He promises to make sure that Roméo will return and, as soon as she awakes, escape with her. Juliette trusts him, takes the potion and collapses before the eyes of her family, apparently dead.

Fifth Act

Roméo has learned of Juliette’s death. Since he cannot live without her, he poisons himself. In that very moment, Juliette awakes from her unconsciousness. They fall into one another’s arms and recall the happy hours of their love before they leave this

Insight before the premiere on 4th november 2024

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