A new production of Alcina, an opera by Georg Friedrich Händel, will be staged by the Opera of Lille from 6 to 17 October 2026. Alcina is based on a libretto by Riccardo Broschi, which in turn draws from Orlando furioso, a 16th-century epic poem by Ludovico Ariosto. The opera first premiered in London in 1735. In the story, Alcina, a powerful sorceress, enchants men, transforming them into animals or rocks. Ruggiero, one of her victims, has forgotten his past and his love for Bradamante. Bradamante arrives on Alcina’s island disguised as a young man, which leads to complications as Alcina’s sister Morgana also falls for Ruggiero. Meanwhile, Oronte, Morgana’s fiancé, becomes entangled in a series of conflicts that further complicate the relationships between the characters. The production is directed by Ewelina Marciniak, who is known for her focus on female roles in classical music. Marciniak’s interpretation of Alcina presents the sorceress’s kingdom as a realm of limitless possibilities, where desires and emotions thrive outside of traditional boundaries. This vision explores the idea of freedom, which some may find unsettling or question as a form of manipulation. The production is conducted by Emmanuelle Haïm, with set and costume design by Natalia Mieczak, lighting by Monika Stolarska, and choreography by Mikolaj Karczewski. The dramaturgy, or the narrative structure of the production, is handled by Miron Hakenbeck. The cast features Karine Deshayes in the title role of Alcina, alongside Adèle Charvet as Ruggiero, Jasmin White as Bradamante, Josh Lovell as Oronte, Lilit Davtyan as Morgana, Camille Chopin as Oberto, and Ashley Riches as Melisso. The dance ensemble includes Warren Anicet-Siger, Yohann Baran, Camerone Bida, Florie Laroche, and Hartmut Reichel. The orchestra performing the opera is Le Concert d'Astrée, known for its historically informed performances. The production is expected to last around three hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission. This revival of Alcina aims to bring fresh perspectives to a classic work, blending Händel’s music with contemporary staging and interpretation. The production invites audiences to explore themes of love, power, and transformation, while offering a new lens through which to view the opera’s timeless story.