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One of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most celebrated operas, “The Abduction from the Seraglio,” was staged in Istanbul as part of the 17th International Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival.
The opera offers audiences a vibrant interpretation of the classical masterpiece at the Süreyya Opera House in Kadikoy.
With a libretto by Johann Gottlieb Stephanie, the work is among the most frequently performed pieces in the classical repertoire and continues to attract audiences worldwide for its engaging blend of drama, music and comedy.
Set in the Ottoman Empire, the story centers on Belmonte, a Spanish nobleman who attempts to rescue his lover Konstanze after she is abducted by pirates and taken to the palace of Pasha Selim.
Belmonte, assisted by his servant Pedrillo, devises an escape plan, which is repeatedly obstructed by the palace guard Osmin. The narrative develops around themes of love, loyalty, freedom, and honor, while also reflecting historical perceptions of Ottoman society in 18th-century European opera.
A key element of the work is its emphasis on compassion over vengeance. In the final act, Pasha Selim chooses to forgive rather than punish, reinforcing the opera’s humanistic message.
The production was directed by Caner Akin, who also performed the role of Selim Pasha. The cast featured Erdem Erdogan as Belmonte, Eylem Demirhan as Konstanze, Tuncay Kurtoglu as Osmin, Ecem Aricasoy Yazoglu as Blonde and Berk Dalkilic as Pedrillo.
The Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Orchestra was conducted by Zdravko Lazarov.
Set and costume design was by Olcay Engin Kaymaz, lighting design by Taner Aydin, chorus direction by Paolo Villa and choreography by Tan Sagturk.
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