Mozart’s Don Giovanni – a rock opera
April 11-21, 2024 at 7 Stages
This is Mozart like you’ve never heard before. Arguably the world’s greatest opera is sung in English with a brand new, modern translation backed by an electrifying rock orchestra.
This contemporary English singing adaptation of Mozart’s classic opera Don Giovanni transports the characters and story into the modern era while staying true to the essence of the beloved original. The notorious womanizer, Don Giovanni, still meets a supernatural end, but his licentious exploits are now portrayed with frankness and complexity, reflecting today’s more nuanced perspectives on gender and morality.
While the essential storyline remains intact, the language has been completely transformed into raw, realistic dialogue that brings out the vivid and immediate emotions of the characters. The adaptation expands on details, adding humor to Leporello’s asides and giving newfound strength to characters like Donna Elvira. Scandal and indiscretion are reexamined in the context of evolving social norms.
Yet, the timeless human themes of desire, justice, and hypocrisy present in Mozart and Da Ponte’s masterpiece continue to resonate. This version of Don Giovanni speaks to who we are now and who we have always been.
