Falstaff
Overview
This fast-paced and rollicking comedy revolves around the witty yet scheming Sir John Falstaff. Vanity gets the better of our knight as he attempts to woo two wealthy married women with the hopes of financial gain. After sending identical love letters, Falstaff’s flimsy plan is revealed, and Alice Ford and Meg Page hatch a plan of their own to expose him. Merriment and mischief are at the heart of this opera, as our beloved buffoon endures humiliations (such as being thrown into the Thames in a laundry basket) but ultimately uncovers his humility and in the end, love prevails.
Verdi ended his prolific career with this final masterpiece, considered one of the best comedic operas ever written, based on Shakespeare’s Henry IV and The Merry Wives of Windsor. This new production reimagines Shakespeare’s Windsor with projections.
Cast & crew
Enhance your experience.
About the Composer & Librettist
At the pinnacles of their respective careers, Guiseppe Verdi and Arrigo Boito collaborated for a final time on Falstaff. Learn about the two powerhouses behind this monumental opera.
Plan Your Opera Experience.
Where to park and what to wear. Explore info about the venue and what to expect.
Production Information
Falstaff is sung in Italian with English captions above the stage.
Dates, programming, artists, and details are subject to change.
Accessibility
Captions: For patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, each performance includes live English captions projected above the stage.
Audio Description: For patrons who are blind or have low-vision, the Sunday matinee performance will include a live audio description of the action and dialogue onstage.
Learn more about accessibility at Keller Auditorium here. If you require wheelchair accessible and/or companion seating, or have any other hearing or vision needs, please call us to purchase tickets so that we can ensure your visit to the theatre is an excellent one.
When We Gather
When We Gather
Our commitment to cultural equity continues to inform our audience policies and experiences. When we gather, it must be with respect and with care for the entire community.
Let us be clear: there is no place for bigotry, discrimination, hate, harassment, or intolerance at Portland Opera.
Behaviors that are disrespectful, discriminatory, or not aligned with our policies for attendance (including health and safety and firearm policies) will not be tolerated, and audience members may be asked to leave the premises and/or be prohibited from returning in the future.
Thank you for joining us in creating a safe and welcoming Portland Opera space for everyone.
Community sponsors
Portland Opera is grateful for the ongoing philanthropic support from our individual patrons and generous donors, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Marie Lamfrom Charitable Trust, National Endowment for the Arts, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Community Foundation, Regional Arts and Culture Council, including support from the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Arts Education & Access Fund.