The Coronation of Poppea was the dbut production from critically acclaimed stage director Ole Anders Tandberg in the Norwegian Opera Ballet, and he lets blood flow. TV directors Anja Stabell and Stein-Roger Bull reinforces the impact by letting bloods bright color compete against black and white images. Poppea like youve never seen it before!

At the centre of events is the power-crazed Poppea. She aspires to the top level of the hierarchy and seduces Emperor Nero. He is totally captivated by Poppea and does everything possible to marry her, even if it leads to murder. A classic drama unfolds, where the struggle for power and riches paints an unattractive portrait of humankind. In this respect not much has changed since the opera was written 365 years ago.

The performance portrays the decadence of the late Roman Empire with obvious parallels to our own times. But it all comes together towards the end in one of the loveliest duets ever composed: Pur Ti Miro. With a top level cast.