A haunting tale of love and loss is captivating audiences in Strasbourg, France, with a renewed production of Ernest Lalo’s opera, “Le Roi d’Ys” (The King of Ys). The opera, which premiered on March 12, 2026, at the Opéra national du Rhin, is drawing praise for its powerful staging, and musicality.
Olivier Py’s direction brings a fresh perspective to the Breton legend, focusing on the tragic story of King Ys and his daughter, Dahut. The production delves into the dark waters and emotional depths of the narrative, resonating with modern audiences. As cult.news reports, the opera is “emerging brilliantly from the flots of oblivion.”
“Le Roi d’Ys,” composed by Lalo with a libretto by Édouard Guérau, tells the story of a mythical city swallowed by the sea as punishment for the sins of its inhabitants. The opera explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the destructive power of unchecked desire. The resurgence of this work highlights the enduring appeal of classic French opera.
The production at the Opéra national du Rhin has been lauded for its evocative set design and the performances of the cast. Olyrix notes the production marks a “return from the East of a Breton masterpiece.”
The renewed interest in “Le Roi d’Ys” is part of a broader trend of rediscovering and reimagining classic works of French opera. As resmusica.com observes, the Strasbourg production allows “the French song to shine in majesty.” The performance is expected to draw audiences from across Europe and beyond, solidifying Strasbourg’s reputation as a cultural hub.
