The libretto of L’Olimpiade (The Olympiad) was set to music by over fifty composers, making it one of the most popular in opera history. Based on the story of the ‘Trial of the Suitors’ by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, it has all the materials necessary for a work of high drama – loyal friends, crossed lovers, secret backstories, deception, disguise, and possible ruin…

For our 2024 Summer production, a cast of seven will deliver the story through Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s thrilling Italian arias and a newly-created English script by director Laura Attridge. In true VB Festival fashion the grounds will become an extension of the stage, with sports-themed activities and immersive elements from the ‘Trial’ filling the hours before the main show.

When the gun sounds, the opera will take just over two hours including an interval – a fast-paced, energetic performance reflecting the dash-to-the-line of this Olympic story. Who will win? Who will lose? Let the games begin.

More information, including full dates and booking information, can be found here.

Director and Scriptwriter Laura Attridge
Musical Director Jonathan Darbourne
Designer Caitlin Abbott
Lighting Designer Josie Ireland
Associate Director Rachel Wise
Movement Director Ami Nagano*

Licida Aoife Miskelly
Aristea Nazan Fikret
Megacle Natasha Page
Argene Shafali Jalota
Clistene Bechara Moufarrej
Alcandro Frances Gregory
Aminta Robert Forrest 

*On placement from Central School of Speech and Drama