Handel's Alcina returns to the stage at London's Royal Opera House
A revival of Handel's opera Alcina, known for its colourful, larger-than-life staging, returns to London's Royal Opera House from 15 September to 3 October. Photographer Tristram Kenton was given access backstage on the final day of rehearsals.
George Frideric Handel's opera Alcina is returning to the stage at London's Royal Opera House, with performances running from 15 September to 3 October. The production has previously featured in the company's repertoire and is now being brought back for audiences.
A story of enchantment and transformation
The opera tells the story of an enchantress named Alcina, who lures her lovers to her island and then transforms them into beasts and other creatures. This fantastical plot has shaped a staging noted for its colourful, larger-than-life visual style, matching the story's mythical and magical themes.
Behind the scenes
Ahead of the run of performances, photographer Tristram Kenton was granted access behind the scenes on the final day of rehearsals. His photographs document the preparations taking place away from the audience's view, offering a glimpse of the work involved in bringing such a visually rich production to the stage.
The resulting photo essay captures the rehearsal process just before the season opened, giving the public a rare look at the everyday work of staging an opera — from the rehearsal room to the technical and artistic preparation that takes place before opening night. The images focus on the final stretch of preparation, when costumes, staging elements and performances come together ahead of the first public performance of this revival at the Royal Opera House.
