Violetta is in love with Alfredo, but because of an expensive promise to his father, Giorgio Germont, she is ultimately doomed to die a lonely death. Verdi deliberately chose to portray his theme in a contemporary way, thereby exposing the hypocrisy of his time. Sybrand van der Werf's staging focuses on a self-conscious Violetta, who uses her charms to survive in a male-dominated society. Because the image people have of her does not allow otherwise, she is eventually, weakened by illness, discarded by this same society. Besides its irresistibly romantic music, the opera is a timeless indictment of image and prejudice.

Conductor: Rick Schoonbeek
Director: Sybrand van der Werf
Arrangement: Marijn van Prooijen
Stage and costume design: Fleur Ummels