Thaïs
May 12-20
Spiritual conviction meets earthly desire. A devout monk seeks to convert Thaïs, a ravishingly beautiful courtesan, but realizes too late that his pious obsession is rooted in lust, not religion. Minnesota Opera produces Massenet’s sensual and melodic creation for the first time with Minnesota-born soprano Kelly Kaduce (Rusalka, Tosca, The Shining) in the glamorous title role. Set in the deserts and oases of fourth-century Egypt, this searing drama explores the conflict between the passion of the flesh and the salvation of the soul.
Composer
Jules Massenet
Runtime
3 hours and 11 minutes, including two intermissions.
Language
Sung in French with English translations projected above the stage.
MN Opera's Thaïs
Director's Notes
Learn MoreAndrea Cigni
Stage Director Andrea Cigni shares his vision for the two worlds of Thaïs and how they come to life in this new production of Massenet’s doomed romance, an epic tale of passion, longing, and salvation.
Synopsis
Learn MoreAct I, Scene 1 – The Thebaid, on the banks of the Nile
Cenobite monks enjoy a modest evening meal outside their huts. Palémon, their leader, says a brief prayer, and all notice the return of Athanaël …
Composer Biography
Learn MoreJules Massenet
Jules Massenet was the most prominent and prolific composer of French opera in the late 19th and early 20th centuries …