Stories drawn from Ovid's Metamorphoses have inspired many Baroque works. It is not surprising, as the ancient Roman poem is rich in enchanting and symbolic tales, and the titular theme of transformation gives creators space for various interpretations. A perfect example of this is the myth of the love between the shepherd Acis and the nymph Galatea, which was transformed by John Gay (likely with the help of other poets) into an excellent libretto that became the basis for Georg Friedrich Handel's one-act opera. Natalia Kozłowska took on a new stage interpretation of this shimmering Baroque work.

The content of the opera is seemingly simple. The young lovers are filled with mutual love, but their happiness is interrupted by the cruel attack of the cyclops Polyphemus. Rejected by the nymph, the giant takes Acis's life. However, Galatea, with her magical power, transforms her lover into a stream, making him immortal. How beautifully the feelings that torment the characters are reflected in Handel's music – on one hand, love, happiness, and fulfillment resonate, while on the other, disappointment and rage thunder. The lively and joyful arias of the lovers, crowned with the duet Happy we!, contrast with the ominous mood introduced by the choir Wretched lovers, rich in musical symbols – from galloping imitations to chords interrupted by pauses. The enchanting sound of Galatea's final aria, maintained in a pastoral mood, brings solace and faith in the invincible power of love.

MUSICAL DIRECTION KRZYSZTOF GARSTKA
DIRECTION, LIGHT DIRECTION NATALIA KOZŁOWSKA
SCENOGRAPHY MARIANNA OKLEJAK
COSTUMES PAULINA CZERNEK
PROJECTIONS MAREK ZAMOJSKI
PREPARATION OF THE VOCAL ENSEMBLE KAROL KNAPIŃSKI
CHOREOGRAPHIC CONSULTATIONS JOANNA LICHOROWICZ-GREŚ
ASSISTANTS TO THE DIRECTOR SŁAWOMIR JURCZAK, AGNIESZKA KOZŁOWSKA
ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER ANNA PUCHALSKA
STAGE MANAGER WANDA KARPIŃSKA

◆CAST◆
ACIS Łukasz Kózka
GALATEA Sylwia Stępień
DAMON Aleksander Rewiński
POLYPHEMUS Paweł Michalczuk
SHEPHERDS Vocal Ensemble of the Polish Royal Opera
Ensemble of Early Instruments of the Polish Royal Opera CAPELLA REGIA POLONA
KRZYSZTOF GARSTKA conductor
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📍Royal Theatre in the Old Orangery at the Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw
Performance for audiences aged 16 and over.
Duration: approx. 2 h 10 min (with intermission).
Note: access to the Royal Theatre in Łazienki from Agrykola Street.
Seats in the auditorium are unnumbered.

If you have any questions, we are available on-site at the event or by phone 📞+48 500 309 424 from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.