The Greek National Opera is now streaming a new production of Verdi’s “Falstaff” on its platform GNO TV

The recording took place during the production’s initial run from Jan. 26, 2023-Feb. 12, 2023. The production, which was directed by Stephen Langridge and conducted by  Pier Giorgio Morandi, starred Dimitri Platanias in the title role alongside Tassis Christoyannis as Ford, Vassilis Kavayas as Fenton, Cellia Costea as Alice Ford, Marilena Striftobola as Nannetta, and  Anna Agathonos as Mistress Quickly, among others.

“Our production is set in England in the 1930s. A time between the wars (Falstaff was an old soldier), with a scandalous Prince of Wales (like Hal in Henry IV) who will briefly become King Edward VIII, and a time when the hierarchies are rigid, with social class more respected than money. Falstaff is based on Shakespeare’s only fully English comedy, but the end is pure Verdi / Boito. “Tutto nel mondo è burla” [all the world’s a jest] is their conclusion – and when we look around us at today’s chaotic world we can only agree, and then perhaps head off to the pub for a pint of warm ale and a laugh with Sir John,” said Langridge of his approach to Verdi’s final masterpiece.

The Greek National Opera Production of “Falstaff” was made possible by a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.