A highly anticipated new staging of Francesco Cilea’s opera Adriana Lecouvreur is to premiere at the Kaunas State Musical Theatre tomorrow, September 11, 2025. Here are some images from the rehearsals and videos of the preparation of the opera, capturing the making of the sets and costumes of the upcoming premiere.

The production immerses viewers in a world of striking silhouettes and glitzy interiors. Central image is a recurring gilded cage, a symbol representing the illusions and constraints faced by the celebrated actress Adriana and the high-ranking aristocrats who orbit around her – figures who, though affluent, are imprisoned by societal expectations and obligations.

"Individuals in this piece are priviliged, but always in the spotlight, watched and scrutinized by society, and therefore forced to constantly think about their image, how to present themselves. /…/ To live without personal freedom is very difficult - and in the end, not everything that glitters is gold.”

Madis Nurms, Kauno Diena

The design aesthetic leans into luxury and excess, balancing structured tailoring with shimmering gowns to evoke an era where ambition, glamour, and appearances ruled supreme. Costume details include power footwear - high heels and loafers in bold purple tones, gold accents, and crocodile textures.

"People will say that because it’s an opera, it must be about love. I don’t believe that at all. I find it very telling that at her most vulnerable, Adriana calls herself Melpomene. In Greek mythology, Melpomene was the muse of tragedy - a woman who seemingly had everything, yet happiness always eluded her. That fragile space between having and still yearning is what makes Adriana Lecouvreur so profoundly human.”

Madis Nurms, LRT TV

ARTISTIC TEAM

Musical Director - Erki Pehk
Stage Director - Marta Aliide Jakovski
Set and Costume Designer - Madis Nurms
Choreographer - Kristina Želvienė
Lighting Designer - Monika Šerstabojevaitė, Audrius Jankauskas
Chorus Master - Rasa Vaitkevičiūtė
Director's Assistant - Svetlana Gudukienė

CAST

Adriana - Gabrielė Bukinė
Maurizio - Eusebiu Huțan / Tomas Pavilionis
Princess de Bouillon - Jovita Vaškevičiūtė / Gabrielė Kuzmickaitė
Michonnet - Adrian Janus / Laimonas Pautienius
Prince de Bouillon - Žygimantas Galinis
Abbé de Chazeuil - Žanas Voronovas
Madmoiselle Jouvenot - Ingrida Kažemėkaitė
Madmoiselle Dangeville - Rita Preikšaitė
Poisson - Povilas Padleckis
Quinault - Regimantas Gabšys

Orchestra and Choir of Kaunas State Musical Theatre

Behind the Scenes of Adriana Lecouvreur

ARTISTIC TEAM

CAST

MORE ABOUT ADRIANA

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