Opera

Paul Dukas

Ariane et Barbe-Bleue

26 Jan, 26 - 20 Feb, 26

Musical conductor
Pinchas Steinberg
Stage direction and set design
Àlex Ollé (La Fura dels Baus)
Chorus and Orchestra 
Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro Real

After a 113-year wait, the Teatro Real presents Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, by Paul Dukas based on the famous story by Charles Perrault, with Àlex Ollé as stage director. This captivating production challenges perceptions of freedom and individual will, featuring the talent of mezzosoprano Paula Murrihy in the leading role.


Tale in three acts

Music by Paul Dukas (1865-1935)

Libretto by Maurice Maeterlinck, after Charles Perrault’s play La Barbe bleu (1697)

Premiered at Opéra-Comique (Paris) on 10 May 1907

Premiered at Teatro Real on 15 February 1913

New production of the Teatro Real, in co-production with Opéra national de Lyon


Artistic team

Conductor: Pinchas Steinberg

Director: Àlex Ollé

Set design: Alfons Flores

Costume design: Josep Abril Janer 

Lighting design: Urs Schönebaum

Chorus director: José Luis Basso 


Cast

Barbazul: Gianluca Buratto

Ariane: Paula Murrihy

The nurse: Silvia Tro Santafé

Sélysette: Aude Extrémo

Ygraine: Jaquelina Livieri

Mélisande: Maria Miró

Bellangère: Renée Rapier

An Old Peasant: Luis López Navarro


Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Real

 

Synopsis and more information

Ariane, a strong, independent woman, becomes Bluebeard's sixth wife and, on arriving at his castle, finds his five previous wives kidnapped there. Instead of following her path of liberation, they are unable to start a new life and prefer to remain subservient. Despite her efforts, Ariane realises she cannot impose her worldview on those who do not wish to change their destiny. In the end, it is she who abandons the castle, leaving behind a world of shadows that appears doomed to repeat itself.

Releases

Protective Friend

13 October

2025

Supporter and Benefactor Friend

14 October

2025

Patron friends

15 October

2025

Subscribers friend

16 October

2025

Tickets on sale

17 October

2025

Performances

  • Date/hour
  • Space
  • Cast
  • Subscription ticket

26 January 2026

19:30

Main Auditorium

Gianluca Buratto, Paula Murrihy, Silvia Tro Santafé, Aude Extrémo, Jaquelina Livieri, Maria Miró, Renée Rapier, Luis López Navarro
Subscription tickets E

31 January 2026

19:30

Main Auditorium

Gianluca Buratto, Paula Murrihy, Silvia Tro Santafé, Aude Extrémo, Jaquelina Livieri, Maria Miró, Renée Rapier, Luis López Navarro
Subscription tickets G

05 February 2026

19:30

Main Auditorium

Gianluca Buratto, Paula Murrihy, Silvia Tro Santafé, Aude Extrémo, Jaquelina Livieri, Maria Miró, Renée Rapier, Luis López Navarro
Subscription tickets Y

11 February 2026

19:30

Main Auditorium

Gianluca Buratto, Paula Murrihy, Silvia Tro Santafé, Aude Extrémo, Jaquelina Livieri, Maria Miró, Renée Rapier, Luis López Navarro
Subscription tickets F

15 February 2026

18:00

Main Auditorium

Gianluca Buratto, Paula Murrihy, Silvia Tro Santafé, Aude Extrémo, Jaquelina Livieri, Maria Miró, Renée Rapier, Luis López Navarro
Subscription tickets C

20 February 2026

19:30

Main Auditorium

Gianluca Buratto, Paula Murrihy, Silvia Tro Santafé, Aude Extrémo, Jaquelina Livieri, Maria Miró, Renée Rapier, Luis López Navarro
Subscription tickets B

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