Trieste Dons the Colors of France as Les Misérables Makes Its Italian Premiere at the Rossetti

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by Guisela Chiarella

Trieste’s storied Rossetti Theater was ablaze in blue, white, and red this week to celebrate the arrival of Les Misérables,the iconic musical inspired by Victor Hugo’s novel, which has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. For Italian fans, the show’s arrival marks a historic first, adding Italy to the international roster of countries that have hosted this celebrated production.

The premiere, set against the grand backdrop of the 19th-century Rossetti, was no ordinary theater event. Patrons arrived dressed to the nines, many embracing a semi-formal dress code that matched the evening’s dignified air. From students and families to theater enthusiasts, the audience represented a cross-section of Trieste’s vibrant cultural scene, unified by the anticipation of experiencing this global phenomenon in their city.

As the lights dimmed, the audience was swept into Hugo’s world of 19th-century France, a journey that explores the complexities of justice, freedom, and redemption. Under the guidance of renowned directors and a highly skilled cast, Les Misérables at Rossetti captured the raw emotion and intensity that have become the hallmark of the production. The musical’s songs — from the heartbreaking “I Dreamed a Dream” to the defiant “Do You Hear the People Sing?” — resonated deeply, bringing both tears and thunderous applause.

Bringing Les Misérables to Italy marks a triumph for Rossetti, which has been instrumental in positioning Trieste as a cultural capital within the region. It’s a fitting milestone for a theater with a rich history of showcasing groundbreaking international productions. This premiere is not only a victory for Italian fans of the musical but also a testament to Rossetti’s role in broadening the cultural landscape of Trieste.

As Trieste’s cityscape continues to shine in blue, white, and red, the city celebrates not just a show, but a cultural moment — one that will leave an indelible mark on its audience and on Italian musical theater history.