Beethoven’s prison opera is a socially aware breath of fresh air

Fidelio at Gaiety Theatre, Dublin until Saturday, November 13

Robert Murray and Sinéad Campbell Wallace in the Irish National Opera production of Fidelio. Photo by Patrick Redmond

Katy Hayes

Ludwig van Beethoven’s only opera dates from the early years of the 19th century. It’s a piece of social-conscience art about the treatment of state prisoners with a love story at its core. Its most moving song captures a moment when a group of prisoners are briefly let out into the yard to get their first taste of fresh air after years of captivity.

This Irish National Opera production starts in a lighthearted manner. ‘Fidelio’, Leonore disguised as a man, has got herself a job with the prison’s chief jailer, Rocco. Her husband Florestan is being secretly held there. She sets about ingratiating herself with Rocco to gain access to all areas. Her ingratiation is a little too effective however, as she attracts the amorous attention of Rocco’s daughter Marzelline. This is much to the chagrin of Rocco’s assistant Jaquino, who himself wants to marry Marzelline. The opera starts out with this romantic mix-up energy to lure the audience in.