Falstaff is the last opera written by the opera master Verdi at the age of 80, and it is also one of the two greatest operas in the composer's later works (the other being Othello). The play is adapted by playwright Boyto from Shakespeare's comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor combined with the historical play Henry IV, vividly telling the human comedy of a declining aristocrat with humorous and witty strokes rather than ridicule. The large number of choral and duet segments in the play not only reflect the composer's profound skills, but also showcase the artists' superb skills.

 

Falstaff, created by a team of emerging British directors invited by the Shanghai Opera House, premiered at the Shanghai Grand Theatre as a heavyweight performance commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. The bold concept and innovative stage transported the life of Windsor town in the play back to the 1950s and 1960s, which is meaningful and has won high praise from both inside and outside the industry. In 2025, Shanghai Opera House will once again collaborate with outstanding artists from China and abroad to bring wonderful performances to the audience.