Acis & Galatea

Acis & Galatea

A pastoral opera in two acts in English

Georg Friedrich Händel

(1685–1759)

Libretto by John Gay

The premiere of Georg Friedrich Händel‘s opera Acis and Galatea is to be presented at the Old Theatre of Vilnius – a co-production of Operomanija and the Old Theatre of Vilnius. The production brings together the vision of director Paulius Markevičius, making his debut in the opera genre, and the musical interpretation of legendary British harpsichordist and conductor Trevor Pinnock.

The ancient myth of Acis, Galatea, and Polyphemus is transformed into a poignant drama about love clashing with a world of brutal force. It is a story of innocence, jealousy, loss, and an innate yearning for light that transcends even the threshold of death.

In this production, Händel‘s pastoral opera unfolds as a dreamlike and visually pulsating world where Baroque music, physical theatre, and metaphorical stage action converge. Playing with the contrasts of light and darkness, movement and sound, myth and reality, a space is created where everything is in constant flux, and transformation becomes the central pivot of the piece.

The premiere presents Händel‘s original orchestration and period instruments, with the international ensemble led by Baroque music authority Trevor Pinnock. It is a rare opportunity to experience the authentic sound of Baroque music and to rediscover a story where the most fragile love proves to be stronger than any destructive force.