The story is based on real-life events and tells of a famous actress’s tragic love affair, where treachery, politics, and intrigue intertwine, culminating in murder.
“The plot of the opera “Adriana Lecouvreur” is based on a true story, where the intrigue began when a talented young actress was found dead. The director Michonnet, who has secretly loved Adriana all along, plays through different scenes in his head to come to terms with his fate. What is the relationship between reality and illusion? At what moment does illusion become reality and vice versa?”
Stage Director Marta Aliide Jakovski
“Adriana Lecouvreur” is an undeservedly underperformed opera. According to Musical Director Erki Pehk: “It’s difficult to guess the reason, as this indisputable masterpiece by Cilea is fast-paced, with memorable main themes and emotionally exceptionally captivating. True, the opera’s leading roles are vocally very demanding and the plot is quite complicated, and it’s also possible that the popular and successful Puccini still draws greater attention to himself as a contemporary… But if one allows themselves to be enchanted by our excellent young singers and carried away by Cilea’s expressive music, then the composer’s genius is also revealed, and this opera will certainly become a favorite for many.”
Set designer Madis Nurms says that the visual world is this time indirectly inspired by 1980s television dramas. “This opera’s structure has much in common with them: a dizzying series of events, power games, complex relationships and emotional confrontations. In both worlds, events are driven by strong female characters whose lives revolve between public image and secret feelings. The stage design is permeated by the motif of a gilded cage, which symbolizes the life of both the admired actress and the aristocrats: abundant and privileged, yet at the same time bound by social constraints. What is permitted for the bull is not permitted for Jupiter…”
The production is a collaboration with the Kaunas State Music Theater
Performances at Endla Theatre:
Sunday, September 14, at 4 PM
Tuesday, September 16, at 7 PM
Premiere on September 11, 2025, at Kaunas State Musical Theatre, Lithuania
The production will remain in the repertoire of Kaunas State Musical Theater after the PromFest
Endla Theatre
English 
Estonian