Page to Stage: The Marriage of Figaro

The Marriage of Figaro is perhaps best known today in its musical form. Composed by Mozart, with a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, the work remains a staple of the operatic repertoire.

The original play is less frequently performed. Written shortly before the French Revolution by the Frenchman Beaumarchais, it was initially banned, and caused uproar when first produced. With its questioning of the rights and privileges of the upper classes, it managed to both shock and delight audiences, and was a huge success.

The Queensland Theatre Company has mounted the play twice. In 1992 it was directed by David Bell, and in 1998 by Neil Armfield. Both productions were designed by Dale Ferguson, who responded quite differently to the ideas of the directors for each production.