Two worlds, one opera

Norma presents two opposing universes: one poetic, imbued with Celtic mythology and prophetic visions, the other prosaic, marked by war and betrayal. Bellini plunges us into a waking dream in which Norma embodies both light and tragedy, in a staging by Anne Delbée in which the moon gradually occupies all time and space. At the heart of Felice Romani's libretto is Norma, a druid priestess in Gaul, and her love for the Roman proconsul Pollione. Anne Delbée's staging, acclaimed when it was presented at the Opéra national du Capitole in 2019, weaves new links between the themes of passion, betrayal and loyalty that punctuate the text, and Bellini's emblematic music. Free, Norma chooses to sacrifice herself to protect the innocent, offering a message of reconciliation and love in the midst of chaos that resonates with our own times.