Maria Stuarda

Why Watch Maria Stuarda

Dealing with the Tudor reign of English history, the story is loosely based on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I. Maurizio Benini is the conductor for the opera, having previously conducted at some of the biggest opera houses in the world, including La Scala, the Vienna State Opera, the Paris Opera, and The Royal Opera. Soprano Diana Damrau takes the lead role of Maria Stuarda, with Jamie Barton taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth.

While the opera used to portray Mary as the noble victim and Elizabeth as a vindictive villain, modern interpretations paint the characters as much more complex figures. The showdown between the two queens at the end of the first act is spectacular to see, and the music and setting ensure that the audience can feel the visceral animosity between the two characters. If Damrau’s past performances are anything to go by, a breathtaking performance awaits the audience!

The Story

Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots is forced to relinquish her throne and escape from her kingdom following the rebellion of her nobles. She flees to England to seek asylum from her cousin, Queen Elizabeth. Since Mary Stuart is a descendant of the Tudors, many see her as the rightful heir to the English throne. An enquiry into the death of Mary’s second husband proves inconclusive and Elizabeth uses this as a pretext to imprison Mary for several years.

Dauphine Francois, the brother of the current French King, seeks Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. Elizabeth considers the proposal but is reluctant to give up the freedom and power that she enjoys in England and also release Mary. Elizabeth’s previous suitor, the Earl of Leicester arrives at the court, and he seems unfazed when informed about the proposal. This causes the Queen to suscept that she has a rival. When they are alone, Talbot, a courtier, hands Leicester a letter from Mary, and the Earl recalls his love for her and swears that he will support Talbot’s plans to set Mary free from her imprisonment. A suspicious Elizabeth returns just as Talbot leaves and demands to see the letter. He presses the Queen to agree to have a meeting with Mary on the pretext of a hunt.

Mary is allowed to walk freely outside her prison by Talbot, and she soon hears the royal hunt in the distance. Leicester arrives and urges Mary to humble herself and plead for her release. The Queen, however, insults Mary numerous times and Leicester’s words to Mary only seems to anger Elizabeth more. Unable to bear the abuse being directed towards her. Mary turns on the Queen, calling her an illegitimate offspring, and is imprisoned again.

Will Mary escape Queen Elizabeth’s wrath and enjoy freedom as she once did in her youth? Will Leicester be able to attain his dream of marrying Mary or is Mary doomed to the gallows?

Good For

Opera Buffs | Lovers of English History | Fans of Donizetti