Opera hero Ruggiero in a bloody uniform: love and betrayal in Potsdam!

Opera hero Ruggiero in a bloody uniform: love and betrayal in Potsdam!

Potsdam, Deutschland - On June 27, 2025, a highly expected staging of the opera Orlando Generoso was listed as part of the Musikfiele Potsdam, which revolves around the complex figure of the Ruggiero. Inspired by the romantic epens "Orlando Innamorato" and "Orlando Furioso" by Matteo Maria Boiardo and Ludovico Ariosto, Ruggiero is portrayed as a tragic figure that has to struggle with inner conflicts and its comparable loyalty. In this production, Ruggiero is kidnapped by the magician Atlante; Impressive in a flower-white admirals uniform, which is stained with blood, dirt and urine.

The spectators see Ruggiero, whose shoulder flaps have been torn and that shows clear signs of life in this wounded state. But before he can express his affection for his bride Bradamante, he reveals a sadistic streak and turns against her. Bradamante also appears in a battered white dress, accompanied by abrasions and hematomas, and thus illustrates the desperate location, the ruggiero and surrounds it. The contrast between a hero and a broken figure runs through the entire plot and illustrates the tragedy of its situation.

The background of the figure ruggiero

ruggiero is more than just a figure in an opera; It is a symbolic representation of complex topics that are deeply rooted in Italian literature. Originally published in the French epic aspremont of the 12th century, its story was reworked over time and received a new dimension in the high medieval stories. He is portrayed as a descendant of two different worlds-his father, a Christian knight, and his mother, a Saracen lady. This dual origin reflects the inner conflicts that Ruggiero is confronted with. His life took a tragic turn through betrayal and violence at an early stage; After the murder of his father, his mother flees with him, but the chain of tragedies does not end here.

under the care of Atlante, who opens it as a Saracen warrior, Ruggiero grew up in hidden, until King Agramant plans to attack the Christian France. A spell looks at his side, and the prophecies around Ruggiero - whether he convert to Christianity or continue to remain true to the Saracen Empire - develop their magical strength. In the course of history, Ruggiero is shaped by heroism and seduction and loss.

ruggieros relationships and conflicts

One of the central relationships in Ruggiero's life is the too Bradamante, which takes up a decisive place in this opera cycle. Their connection is both romantic and tragic and is repeatedly threatened by outer forces. Persecuted by Agramante Saracenen patrols to fight their honor and life, so they only enjoy a short moment of happiness before they are separated from each other again. This cycle of hope and despair is impressively conveyed in the opera and shows how Ruggiero is captured under the influence of magicians such as Alcina.

A remarkable work of art that illustrates an episode from Ruggiero's story is the painting ruggiero at the courtyard of the sorceress Alcina , which, with his contrasting lighting and the representation of seduction and ambiguity, symbolizes Ruggieros with his fighting armor at the feet. Here it becomes clear that Ruggiero not only fights, but also struggles with his innermost conflicts between loyal and the desire for love and power. So his story remains a fascinating example of the complexity of human emotions.

Under the influence of great topics such as identity, loyalty and the striving for redemption, the figure Ruggiero inspires literature and opera lovers alike. He stands for a hero that exists both in the battle against enemies and inside against the dark powers of his past. His development and the challenges he has to master make him a long -lasting figure in art and a popular motif for composers and visual artists.