Brighton Theatre Royal hosts Iphigénie en Tauride

As the curtains open, the audience will be transported to a desolate island temple, where Iphigénie, a daughter of sacrifice, clings to the hope of reuniting with her brother Oreste, each believing the other dead. The opera, a masterpiece of Gluck's, will showcase the story of a family torn apart by fate and reunited by hope.

What is the story behind Iphigénie en Tauride? The opera tells the tale of Iphigénie, a daughter of one of Greek mythology's bloodiest dynasties, who is exiled to a desolate island temple, while her brother Oreste is driven to the brink of madness. The story takes a dramatic turn when a mysterious stranger arrives with news of her family's downfall, threatening to overwhelm Iphigénie with despair.

Who is behind this production? The new production of Iphigénie en Tauride is directed by Olivier award-winning director Lyndsey Turner, making its debut at the Theatre Royal Brighton from Friday, 6 November 2026, until Saturday, 14 November 2026.

Why is this opera significant? Iphigénie en Tauride is a rarely performed opera by Gluck, a composer who played a crucial role in shaping the art form in the eighteenth century. His reforms, which included using orchestral recitative and cutting the usually long da capo aria, influenced notable composers such as Mozart, Berlioz, and Wagner. The opera will be performed at the Theatre Royal Brighton, and tickets are with the button beside the article.