Patricia Dantas

Offenbach’s Irreverent Classic ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD (Orfeu no Inferno) Opens 2026 Lyric Season at Theatro São Pedro
by Claudio Erlichman - Apr 13, 2026

Opening the 2026 lyric season at Theatro São Pedro, Orpheus in the Underworld (Orphée aux enfers) by Jacques Offenbach arrives in a vibrant new staging directed by Cibele Forjaz, with André Dos Santos leading the orchestra. Premiered in 1858, Offenbach’s groundbreaking operetta offers a witty, satirical twist on the Orpheus myth, transforming tragedy into irreverent comedy. With its mix of spoken dialogue, lively ensembles, and dance, the work helped define the operetta genre. Highlights include the iconic “Galop infernal,” forever linked to the can-can. Performances run April 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26, inviting audiences to experience a sparkling, subversive classic that remains as entertaining today as ever.