Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Rigoletto Production Exposes Privilege and Misogyny Through Music

3/26/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Oliver Mears' 2021 production of Rigoletto centers on the morally corrupt Duke of Mantua.
The visually rich set by Simon Lima Holdsworth frames physical violence with shocking scenes and keeps sexual violence mostly implicit, highlighting privilege and misogyny.
Iván Ayón Rivas as the Duke and Aida Garifullina as Gilda deliver performances.
Conductor Mark Elder heightens the score's emotional depth.

1 of 1

Story summary

Oliver Mears' 2021 production of Rigoletto centers on the morally corrupt Duke of Mantua.
The visually rich set by Simon Lima Holdsworth frames physical violence with shocking scenes and keeps sexual violence mostly implicit, highlighting privilege and misogyny.
Iván Ayón Rivas as the Duke and Aida Garifullina as Gilda deliver performances.
Conductor Mark Elder heightens the score's emotional depth.