Bluebeard's Castle

Opera

Writers: Béla Bartók

Overview

Show Information

Category
Opera
Number of Acts
2
Genres
Cast Size
small
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Casting Notes
Mostly female cast
Includes adult, mature adult, late teen, young adult characters

Synopsis

Judith has just married the mysterious Duke Bluebeard. She finds that his castle is always dark and there are seven locked doors. Bluebeard insists that she not open the doors, but her curiosity is too strong. Behind the first six doors she finds a torture chamber, a storehouse of weapons, a storehouse of riches, a secret garden, a window to Bluebeard's kingdom and a lake of tears. Even though Bluebeard begs her not to open the final seventh door, Judith is unable to resist. She discovers Bluebeard's three former wives, representing the morning, noon and evening of his life. Judith, representing night, passes with the other wives through the door leaving Bluebeard yet again to live in solitude.

Lead Characters

Bluebeard's Castle guide sections