When a sharp-tongued court jester Rigoletto is cursed for his spiteful words, he is forced to hide his unworldly daughter Gilda from his own licentious master the Duke. While the latter, like a comedian alone on stage, sneers at power and the elite, the former reveals his darkest fears and persecution complex. You are invited to witness the public entertainer's last laugh in this lyrical masterpiece where fiction and reality end up merging.
Marie-Eve Signeyrole directs the irresistible threesome of the court jester, his daughter and the duke. Bella figlia dell'amore is one of the most famous opera quartets. The Duke of Mantua is interested in a beautiful girl he has seen in church but at a party in his palace he courts the Countess Ceprano.
Rigoletto suggests that the Count be arrested or beheaded so that the Duke may do what he will with the Countess. Count Monterone accuses the Duke of seducing his daughter and demands he pay for his crime. After being mocked by Rigoletto, Monterone curses the jester and the Duke before being arrested.
Fearful of the curse, Rigoletto hurries home to check on Gilda, his daughter. On the way, he meets an assassin called Sparafucile, who offers the jester his services. Rigoletto rejects his offer but inquires where he can find him in case he changes his mind. At home, Gilda asks her father about her family background but he gives her no answers.
He has hidden her from public all her life and only allows her to leave the house to go to church. Pretending to be a poor student, he introduces himself to Gilda and professes his love for her. When Giovanna hears footsteps approaching, the Duke escapes through the back door.
