Gustavia
The story of the unknown prince of Sweden
The gripping story of Gustav Badin, inspired by real people and events, comes to life on the Royal Swedish Opera's stage with a star-studded artistic team.
He is enslaved and brought from the West Indies to the Swedish Royal Court in the 1750s as a gift. He is the object of Queen Lovisa Ulrika's social experiment but also of her love. He begins a secret relationship with Princess Sofia Albertina. His rival is Sweden's future king, Gustav III, who is also his beloved brother. Gustavia is the incredible story of Gustav Badin. A fast-paced ballet drama, an unknown part of the history of Sweden, a tale about power, norms and rebellion.
The compelling story, inspired by real people and events, come to life on the stage of the Royal Swedish Opera with a star-studded creative team. Gustavia is written and directed by filmmaker Amir Chamdin (who recently made the TV series Börje – The Journey of a Legend about the life of ice hockey player Börje Salming) with choreography by Pär Isberg, who previously has created ballets such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pippi Longstocking and not least a hit version of The Nutcracker (more than 350 performances at the Royal Swedish Opera). The costumes are created by Selam Fessahaye, multiple award-winning designer whose creations have been worn by, among others, Beyoncé and Crown Princess Victoria. Well-known film set designer Cinzia Lo Fazio and lighting designer Tobias Rylander, who has worked with everything from Beyoncé's world tour to Loreen's Eurovision-winning performance, frame Badin's world in sets, lighting design and visual projections. The team also includes the dramaturge David Nzinga.
-
Act I
-
Intermission
-
Act II
Images
Gustavia - talk at the Järvaveckan 2024
Who is the Badin of our time? Dance and the power over the history of a life.
talk from Järvaveckan 2024.
Gustavia - meet director Amir chamdin
In autumn 2024, Gustavia, a ballet about Gustav Badin, will have its world premiere at the Royal Swedish Opera.
Gustavia - meet director Amir chamdin-
Cast
-
-
Music, choreography & direction
DIRECTOR & LIBRETTO Amir Chamdin
CHOREOGRAPHY Pär Isberg
MUSIC Opeth, Franz Schubert, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Johannes Brahms, Ludwig van Beethoven
CONDUCTOR Philippe Béran
SCENOGRAPHER Cinzia Lo Fazio
COSTUME DESIGNER Selam Fessahaye
LIGHTING DESIGNER Tobias Rylander
DRAMATURG David Nzinga
Subscriptions - guaranteed seats and discounts
Gustavia is included in several of our subscriptions - secure your seats to the autumn's most popular performances and also get a substantial discount on your tickets.
Discover our best offers below!
Your visit to the Opera
Frequesntly asked questions
-
At what time do I have to be at the Opera before the performance?
We recommend that you arrive at least half an hour before the performance begins. If you can arrive earlier, it's even better: 45 minutes before the start of the performance, there is a free audience introduction in the Golden Foyer - an excellent way to approach the performance!
-
It's my first time at the Opera - what do I do?
We have put together some useful tips for your visit. Otherwise, our best advice is to arrive on time - discover the Opera House, leave your coat in the cloakroom, eat or drink something. AND, ask our ushers - they'll be happy to help! Also remember not to bring large bags with you: only small bags (no larger than a standard A4 sheet of paper) will be allowed into the auditorium.
-
Can my ticket be rebooked or cancelled if I or someone in my party is ill?
You can rebook tickets yourself on the website up to 24 hours before the start of the performance within the the current season. Tickets cannot be cancelled (read more in our general terms and conditions).
-
Can you eat and drink at the Opera?
Of course you can! Our partner Restaurang Grodan is on the ground floor facing Strömgatan - take the opportunity to book a table ahead of your visit! Each floor also has a service with drinks and snacks, at the stalls' café there is a slightly larger selection. We advice you to pre-book the intermission service so it is ready and waiting for you during the interval!
