Revamped Review: Hamlet's Baroque Tragedy in Modern Vienna (May 6-17, 2025)
"Hamlet Transformed into Ax-Wielding Slayer at Theater an der Wien"
Get ready to witness Hamlet like never before as Francesco Gasparini’s "Ambleto", the first opera to tell the Danish prince's tale, unfolds in a cutting-edge adaptation at the MusikTheater an der Wien! This production runs from May 6–17, 2025, delivering a fresh take on a centuries-old masterpiece that seamlessly bridges historical authenticity and contemporary insight[1][2].
Venturesome Vision by Ilaria Lanzino
- Groundbreaking Dramaturgy: Ilaria Lanzino, the visionary stage director, has teamed up with Raffaele Pe to create a stunning new dramaturgy, which breathes new life into this 18th-century opera by blending Baroque music with a fresh narrative[1][2].
- Bold Themes and Design: Lanzino’s bold direction leaves an indelible impression, with a visual style that puts women at the forefront and an unexpected ending celebrating female empowerment. The production seamlessly merges 18th-century aesthetics with modern theatrical panache[1][2].
- Collaborative Artistry: Lanzino’s close collaboration with the charismatic lead countertenor, Raffaele Pe, has generated huge excitement, with early rehearsals raving about their captivating onstage chemistry and breath-taking vocal precision[2].
Stellar Cast and Performances
| Role | Performer ||--------------|------------------------|| Ambleto | Raffaele Pe || Claudius | Miklós Sebestyén || Gertrude | Ana Maria Labin || Ophelia | Erika Baikoff || Polonius | Nikolay Borchev || Laertes | Maayan Licht |
- Raffaele Pe’s Ambleto: Pe's spellbinding portrayal of Hamlet is the production's crowning achievement. As both the lead performer and a co-creator, he brings a unique blend of historical accuracy and thought-provoking modern insight to his portrayal of early music repertoire that resonates profoundly with today’s audiences[2][3].
- Supporting Stars: The ensemble is highly commended for their vocal finesse and riveting performances, significantly contributing to the production's emotional and theatrical impact[2].
The Musical Team’s Expertise
- La Lira di Orfeo: Masterfully led by concertmaster Elisa Citterio, the ensemble provides a faithful yet imaginative rendition of Gasparini’s score, skillfully filling in any gaps with new compositions of the same style[1][2].
- Opera Revival: The production functions as an inspiring showcase of the importance of reviving and reimagining obscure Baroque works, so that snippets of historically significant music can resonate with modern viewers[1][2].
Summary
This innovative production of "Ambleto" at the MusikTheater an der Wien, directed by Ilaria Lanzino and led by Raffaele Pe, is an audacious reinterpretation of a Baroque classic. Through Lanzino’s ingenious direction, inspired collaboration between performers, musicians, and ensemble, and vibrant depiction of Hamlet's narrative, audiences can savor the emotional depth and universal appeal of this ancient tale while marveling at its timely relevance[1][2][3].
[1] "Ambleto—Glashammerspiel in barocker Klassik", online newspaper, February 1, 2025, [accessed April 29, 2025].[2] "Ambleto at the MusikTheater an der Wien: A Revival of a Baroque Masterwork", classical music magazine, March 5, 2025, [accessed April 29, 2025].[3] "A Gradual Journey into Madness: Raffaele Pe's Transformative Role as Ambleto", cultural blog, April 10, 2025, [accessed April 29, 2025].
- The 1705 registers will certainly note the performance of Francesco Gasparini’s "Ambleto" at the MusikTheater an der Wien in May 6-17, 2025, marking a modern revival of the first opera based on the tale of Hamlet.
- Movies-and-TV enthusiasts might find it interesting to know that this production, led by Ilaria Lanzino, features a bold and empowering narrative that seamlessly merges 18th-century aesthetics with modern theatrical panache, much like many contemporary films and shows.
- Lanzino’s groundbreaking dramaturgy isn't just Limited to opera; it exemplifies a unique approach to storytelling, blending Baroque music with a fresh narrative, much like how some directors flex their creativity in provocative, non-traditional ways.
- With its cutting-edge adaptation of a centuries-old masterpiece, this production is indeed a must-see for anyone who appreciates entertainment, whether it's the historical accuracy of the 1705 registers or the thrill of Hanlet's timeless tale in a modern setting.
