Thaïs - Metropolitan Opera

The story

When the most voluptuous, sought-after courtesan in the world meets an ascetic monk whose life is devoted to God, you know erotic sparks are going to fly. And when the clash takes place in a glorious, but rarely performed, opera by Massenet, it’s a delight to the ear just as much as to the eye. Renée Fleming is every inch the glamorous Thaïs, swathed in elegant gowns designed by Christian Lacroix. Thomas Hampson is Athanaël, the tortured man of God. This production by John Cox, which premiered in December 2008, brilliantly sets the stage for a confrontation as old as civilization itself.

Cast & crew

Renée FlemingThaïs

Thomas HampsonAthanaël

Michael Schade

Michael SchadeNicias

Alain VernhesPalémon

Alyson Cambridge

Alyson CambridgeCrobyle

Ginger Costa-JacksonMyrtale

Leah Partridge

Leah PartridgeLa charmeuse

Maria ZifchakAlbine

Trevor Scheunemann

Trevor ScheunemannGuard

Daniel Clark Smith

Daniel Clark SmithCenobite Monk

Roger Andrews

Roger AndrewsCenobite Monk

Kurt Phinney

Kurt PhinneyCenobite Monk