September 2025

Francesco Cilea’s opera  Adriana Lecouvreur at Kaunas State Music Theatre, Lithuania and PromFest, Estonia. 

Inspired by the life of French actress Adrienne Lecouvreur (1692–1730), the production explores the contrast between the allure of fame and the constraints it brings. A recurring visual motif throughout the set design is a gilded cage, symbolizing the lives of both celebrated actresses and aristocrats—individuals who, despite their privilege and luxurious life, find themselves confined by societal expectations and obligations.


The design aesthetic leans into luxury and excess, balancing structured tailoring with shimmering gowns to evoke an era where ambition, glamour, and appearances ruled supreme. Costume details include power footwear - high heels and loafers in bold purple tones, gold accents, and crocodile textures.
"People will say that because it’s an opera, it must be about love. I don’t believe that at all. I find it very telling that at her most vulnerable, Adriana calls herself Melpomene. In Greek mythology, Melpomene was the muse of tragedy - a woman who seemingly had everything, yet happiness always eluded her. That fragile space between having and still yearning is what makes Adriana Lecouvreur so profoundly human.”
Madis Nurms, LRT TV


The gilded cage is the main symbol in the scenography, as both the celebrated actress and the aristocrats around her navigate a world where societal expectations confine their personal freedom. Despite the luxury and privilege that surround them, they are trapped by duty, reputation, and the demands of their status - living in a beautiful but restrictive reality.
"Individuals in this piece are priviliged, but always in the spotlight, watched and scrutinized by society, and therefore forced to constantly think about their image, how to present themselves. /…/ To live without personal freedom is very difficult - and in the end, not everything that glitters is gold.”
Madis Nurms, Kauno Diena

ARTISTIC TEAM

Musical Director - Erki Pehk
Stage Director - Marta Aliide Jakovski
Set and Costume Designer - Madis Nurms
Choreographer - Kristina Želvienė
Lighting Designer - Monika Šerstabojevaitė
Chorus Master - Rasa Vaitkevičiūtė  
Director's Assistant - Svetlana Gudukienė

CAST  

Adriana - Gabrielė Bukinė
Maurizio - Eusebiu Huțan / Tomas Pavilionis
Princess de Bouillon - Jovita Vaškevičiūtė / Gabrielė Kuzmickaitė
Michonnet - Adrian Janus / Laimonas Pautienius
Prince de Bouillon - Žygimantas Galinis
Abbé de Chazeuil - Žanas Voronovas
Madmoiselle Jouvenot - Ingrida Kažemėkaitė
Madmoiselle Dangeville - Rita Preikšaitė
Poisson - Povilas Padleckis
Quinault - Regimantas Gabšys

Orchestra and Choir of Kaunas State Musical Theatre

 

Costume Drawings


Footwear

The visual aesthetic of the production also draws inspiration from the bold style of iconic television dramas, where power dressing and dramatic flair took center stage. This influence is particularly evident in the costume design, with footwear playing a key role. High heels and loafers in color-blocked combinations of purple hues, gold accents, and crocodile textures add a touch of opulence, reflecting the characters' commanding presence.



More about Adriana