Mid Wales Opera (MWO) is set to present the tragic and intense ‘play within a play’ of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci this autumn.

Prepare for a night of dramatic tension and emotional intensity as MWO embarks on its latest SmallStages Tour with Ruggero Leoncavallo’s operatic masterpiece Pagliacci, or Clowns.

This autumn, the tragic tale of love, betrayal, and the blurred lines between performance and reality takes centre stage.

With its gripping storyline and unforgettable music, Pagliacci remains one of the most popular and widely performed operas worldwide.

The opera's exploration of human vulnerability, jealousy, and betrayal, combined with its dramatic 'play within a play' structure, ensures that it continues to resonate with audiences.

Pagliacci tells the story of Canio, the leader of a travelling troupe of actors, who must grapple with the devastating revelation of his wife Nedda's infidelity. Forced to perform on stage while struggling with his anguish, Canio's real-life despair mirrors the character he plays, leading to a tragic climax that blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality.

The tour is a continuation of MWO's commitment to bringing high quality opera to communities across Wales and the borders and will run from October 25 to November 22, 2024.

This new production features a cast of five singers and five musicians, with an English translation by Richard Studer and a chamber arrangement by Jonathan Lyness.

The first half will be dedicated to the opera Pagliacci, while the second half will feature a newly-created cabaret of popular and entertaining musical pieces, allowing audiences to enjoy a rich variety of performances in one evening.

Music Director, Jonathan Lyness said: "I can’t wait to get started on this opera! It’s a piece packed with energy and beauty - gripping, fast-moving, funny and tragic, with possibly the greatest of all tenor arias - it simply has it all, in about 60 minutes! If you’ve never seen an opera before, come and see this one!”

Local productions include St Andrew’s Church, Presteigne with Mid Border Arts on Tuesday, November 5 and Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells on Friday, November 15.

For more details and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.midwalesopera.co.uk