The powerful ruler and military commander Julius Caesar is on a war campaign to Egypt when he meets the 19-year-old Cleopatra and falls in love. In her desire to rule Egypt, Cleopatra decides to seduce the enemy who tries to conquer her land, and claim the throne with the help of Caesar. The plan seems perfect but it has a fatal flaw. She did not plan on falling in love. In the turmoil of war, intrigues and chaos, Cleopatra and Caesar develop deep feelings for each other.
George Frideric Handel’s opera Julius Caesar, composed in 1724, is one of the undisputed masterpieces of Baroque opera. For three centuries, it has captivated audiences worldwide and continues to be performed at the world’s most prestigious opera houses. This production marks the first staging of Julius Caesar at the Estonian National Theatre Vanemuine (Tartu). Premiered on November 4, 2023, it will now be presented to Latvian audiences for the first time as part of a guest performance in Riga.