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Premiere

The Queen of Spades

opera in three acts

music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Duration

2 hours 50 minutes

1 act

40 min

interval 30 min

2 act

45 min

interval 20 min

3 act

35 min

16+

for viewers over 16 years old

performed in Russian

Cast

Lisa

Margarita Shapovalova

The Mikhailovsky Theatre launched its 193rd season with a groundbreaking premiere: Vladimir Kekhman’s visionary production of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s opera “The Queen of Spades”.
Reimagining the musical dramaturgy with bold new emphasis, the director explores the nature of human passions and frailties while reinterpreting the opera’s core themes: fate’s inevitability, the corrupting power of wealth, and the all-consuming passion that destroys love.
Audiences will experience a riveting narrative, sumptuous costumes inspired by Vivienne Westwood’s iconic aesthetic, and striking avant-garde stage designs that redefine theatrical space.
The musical director of the production — Mikhail Tatarnikov.

In her youth, the Countess was the dazzling star of the French court, her beauty so renowned that she was called the Venus of Moscow. Once, after she lost a fortune, the Count of St Germain whispered to her the secret of three winning cards — in exchange for a certain favour. Decades later, the Countess still clings to the glamour of her past, defiant against the relentless march of time.

Act one

Scene one

At a lively gathering, a group of young men trade stories of gambling and their friend Hermann, who watches the games with cold intensity but never places a bet. Tomsky, grinning, lets slip that his grandmother, the infamous Countess, once knew a secret of the three lucky cards. A passing joke to the others, but for Hermann, it becomes an obsession.

Scene two

Lisa, the Countess’s ward, dreams of escaping her oppressive life. She is fascinated by a mysterious stranger who lingers outside her window. The Countess, unsettled yet intrigued, watches him too.

Act two

Scene three

At the Countess’s birthday ball, everyone pursues hidden agendas: Tomsky flatters her for inheritance, while Lisa and Hermann arrange a secret meeting. She gives him a key to the house — hoping for love, but he seeks the card secret.

Scene four

Hermann sneaks into the Countess’s bedroom. There, he sees what she looked like in her youth, and her image stuns Hermann. When she enters, lost in memories, he demands the secret. Terrified, she dies of shock. Lisa arrives and accuses him of murder.

Act three

Scene five

At the Countess’s funeral, Hermann is tormented — her secret seems lost. Her ghost appears, naming the three cards — three, seven, ace — andurging him to marry Lisa.

Scene six

Lisa waits for Hermann, desperate to find out that he isn’t a monster. At midnight, he appears raving about the cards, then rushes to gamble, ignoring her pleas.

Scene seven

At the card table, Hermann shocks everyone by betting wildly. He wins twice but in the final round, the ace in his hand transforms into the queen of spades. The Countess’s face stares back — and Hermann goes mad.