Strange creatures roam the woods near Athens at night, and different worlds exist there without ever crossing paths. The Lovers are unaware of the existence of the Rustics. Neither the Rustics nor the Lovers know that they are surrounded by fairies. And only the ingenious Puck can travel from one world to another. Illogical, you might say? Of course, since it's a dream! But rest assured: Shakespeare's artistry, masterfully adapted by Benjamin Britten, transforms this confusion into a magical comedy of love.

With its lively dances, ghost scenes and touching arias, Hamlet was Ambroise Thomas’s single great success of the Paris Opera, remaining in its repertoire for decades after the 1868 premiere. On the opening night, the title role was sung by a baritone, as has become the custom ever since. With the rediscovery of the original score in recent years, it transpires that Thomas originally scored the role of Hamlet for a tenor. In this new production of Teatro Regio Torino, the tenor John Osborn is the tormented prince, singing the celebrated monologue “To be or not to be” (“Être ou ne pas être”). Sara Blanch sings Ophélie, whose pyrotechnic aria in the mad scene is a pièce de résistance for a coloratura soprano. Under the musical direction of Jérémie Rhorer, the production is directed by Jacopo Spirei.