Deutsche Oper am Rhein presents Handel's Giulio Cesare in Egitto, a gripping musical drama full of political intrigue, power games and passionate emotions. The baroque opera about love, revenge and domination unfolds a multifaceted portrait of ancient figures in powerful arias and sophisticated scenes - at once surprisingly topical and timeless.
Giulio Cesare has defeated his enemy Pompeo and pursued him as far as Egypt. Against Caesare's will, however, Pompeo was executed by the Egyptian king Tolomeo. His wife and son swear to avenge him. Cleopatra, meanwhile, wants the throne of Egypt for herself. To achieve this, she must get rid of her brother Tolomeo and win the support of Cesare. She seduces him, he falls in love with her - and makes Cleopatra queen of Egypt.
Whether ancient ruler or modern president, Giulio Cesare stands for the image of the perfect ruler: sovereign, deliberate and educated. However, the casting of women or castrati in male roles, which was common in the Baroque era, already softens the image of the male ruler. Is ruling masculine? And seduction female? How would the balance of power change if it were a female emperor to whom everyone had to submit - and it was a man who seduced her?
Premiere November 30, 2025
Further performances: December 5, 13 and 25, 2025, January 4 and 18, 2026
