The amazing William Tell is rarely performed and challenging. So Royal Opera House, under highly controversial Kasper Holten challenged the audience with an attempt to bring the 14th century fable into the violent world of independence movements and their destruction. Violence they did, including a simulated rape scene to the ballet music Paris required of Rossini.
The production was booed and critics hated it. The opposition focussed on the rape scene - but was this a valid, even a brave adaption? It's an edited version of this production that we are watching - with lots to discuss. If you want background, here's the response from ROH after opening night: and here are reviews from Spectator, Gramophone, Guardian, Express and IMD. They all agree the singing is wonderful, but... (discuss!)