An opera by DONIZETTl
, Earl of Leicester
For her farewell to the London operatic stage, DAME JANET BAKER chose to present one of her most moving and dramatic roles-the tragic Queen of Scots.
The part of Mary's great rival, Elizabeth, is taken by one of the brightest new stars, ROSALIND PLOWRIGHT , Caught in the middle of their rivalry was Robert Dudley - Elizabeth's favourite, yet sympathetic to Mary's cause. The meeting between the two Queens which forms the centrepiece of the drama, based on Schiller's play, may not have happened in history, but it powerfully highlights the political and religious conflicts that beset the two nations towards the end of the 16th century.
The cast of this English National Opera production in celebration of the company's golden jubilee includes and Producer JOHN COPLEY
Designer DESMOND HEELEY
THE CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA of the ENO, conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras
English text by TOM HAMMOND Sound GRAHAM HAINES Lighting CLIVE POTTER Director PETER BUTLER
This programme was financially assisted by Shell UK Ltd and was televised by BBC Television in association with the National Video Corporation Ltd from the London Coliseum