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Celebrated theatre director Calixto Bieito tackles one of history鈥檚 most infamous characters, the Roman Emperor Eliogabalo, in a new production of Cavalli鈥檚 opera at Zurich Opera.

The story charts the political downfall of one of ancient Rome鈥檚 most nefarious rulers. An emperor at fourteen, his turbulent life was marked by sexual excess, debauchery, bribery and corruption. He was brutally murdered aged just 18 in 222AD. The 17th-century Italian composer Francesco Cavalli recognised Eliogabalo鈥檚 dramatic potential, and turned this flamboyant historical figure into an opera in 1667, but it was never performed in his lifetime.

Since his controversial 1999 production of Carmen, Calixto Bieito has gained a reputation for both offending and delighting audiences with his fresh and original interpretations of operatic classics. When he began his research in to Cavalli鈥檚 opera two-and-a-half years ago, he was drawn to the contradictory nature of Eliogabalo鈥檚 character.

In rehearsal, Bieito has an individual approach. He likes to let his fantasies free, sharing his imagination with the singers and encouraging them to do the same. Curious to find out how he will deal with the explicit themes of Eliogabalo, Ulrike Thiele follows Bieito as he progresses through the rehearsal period, working closely with conductor Dmitry Sinkovsky, the singers, lighting director, costume designers and production team, to reimagine this 17th-century masterpiece for a contemporary audience.

Image: Calixto Bieito (Credit: Stephane de Sakutin/AFP via Getty Images) in front of a rehearsal of Eliogabalo