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Washington National Opera

Elektra

Opera House

Tragedy follows Elektra as she plots revenge against her father’s murderer—her own mother—in Richard Strauss’s epic opera inspired by the Greek tale.

Oct. 29 - Nov. 12, 2022

Production Information

Soprano Christine Goerke (left) is Elektra; soprano Sara Jakubiak is Chrysothemis. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Program

She’ll do anything for justice.

Music by Richard Strauss / Libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
In German with Projected English Titles
Composed 1909
New WNO Production

This royal family is set up for royal dysfunction. Elektra has just witnessed her own mother murder her father Agamemnon, the king of ancient Mycenae. Now that she knows whose hands are bloody, Elektra is hellbent on vengeance. But when her brother returns from exile to carry out her wishes, Elektra’s obsession for revenge pushes her fractured family to the brink of destruction.

Richard Strauss’ masterpiece inspired by the Greek tragedy returns with a new production from Francesca Zambello. Elektra is 100 minutes of power-packed, “fasten your seatbelt” opera, from its dramatic, harrowing music to its hair-raising finale. This acclaimed international cast includes superstar soprano Christine Goerke singing the title role of a daughter possessed, while acclaimed designer Bibhu Mohapatra returns to create eye-catching costumes for an extravagant Greek world. In her fixation on bloody revenge, will the determined princess finally find justice…or will her obsession consume her first?

Christine Goerke’s "Allein! Weh, ganz allein!" from Elektra

Christine Goerke’s "Allein! Weh, ganz allein!" from Elektra

Christine Goerke on playing the title role in Elektra

Christine Goerke on playing the title role in Elektra

The Reviews Are In!

“A sharp-clawed and intensely focused vision of Strauss’s blood-spattered family portrait...vividly realized and sung with force and fire by Christine Goerke.”

Michael Andor Brodeur

Featured Artists

Creative Team

Come early for a free Pre-Performance Talk
Delve deeper as you take a peek inside the composer’s mind, behind the scenes of planning a production, and into the history and social context of each opera. These lectures are free, but patrons must present a ticket from any performance of the production that is being discussed in the lecture.

Elektra lecturers:
Ken Weiss (Oct. 29 eve, Oct. 31 eve & Nov. 4 eve)
Francesca Zambello (Nov. 6 mat)
David Toro (Nov. 9 eve & Nov. 12 eve)

Most Pre-Performance Talks begin 1 hour before the performance and last 25–30 minutes. 

 

Stay after for a Post-Performance Artist Q&A

Don’t miss your opportunity to engage directly with our artists and share your thoughts on the experience you just had! Here’s your chance to ask questions and get the inside scoop on the production from members of the cast and creative team. All discussions begin immediately after the performance and are free with your ticket.

Oct. 31 eve & Nov. 6 mat only
Moderated by Francesca Zambello

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Terms and Conditions

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!

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