FULL The Last Days of Louis Capet (Drew Sperry) Indianapolis 2025 Nathan Matthews, Jonathan Shinn
Information on the Performance
- Work Title: The Last Days of Louis Capet
- Composer: Sperry Drew
- Libretto: Drew Sperry Libretto Text, Libretto Index
- Venue & Opera Company: Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Recorded: January 26, 2025
- Type: Staged Opera Live
- Singers: Nathan Matthews, Jonathan Shinn
- Conductor: Tori Thomas
- Orchestra:
- Stage Director: Drew Sperry
- Costume Designer: Samantha Purciful
- Lighting Designer: Ally Shaw
Information about the Recording
- Published by: Drew Sperry
- Date Published: 2025
- Format: Streaming
- Quality Video: 4 Audio:4
- Subtitles: yessubs, ensubs
- Video Recording from: YouTube FULL VIDEO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PERFORMANCE
Synopsis
Act I
Setting: Louis’ Prison Cell, Paris, December 1792; Before the trial
After his capture in Varennes, King Louis XVI—now known as Louis
Capet following his dethroning—awaits his trial before the National
Council. He hears the accusing voices of the French people in his head
but refuses to acknowledge their cries as truth. Following a
recounting of his capture, he comes to realize that without the crown,
his identity has been reduced to nothing. Louis begins to question his
innocence before he is interrupted by his Guard. The two quarrel
before Louis is taken from his cell to his trial.
Act II
Setting: Louis’ Prison Cell, Paris, January 1793; Following the trial
Louis has been returned to his cell where he again hears the voices of
the French people. They recount the charges brought against him and
finally pronounce him guilty with a sentencing to death. Louis writes
his last will and testament, lamenting his fate. The Guard appears
once again, only this time to take him to his public execution. Louis
proclaims his innocence one last time before being removed from his
cell. We hear the ten chimes of the clock at the Place de la Révolution
and the French people chant “long live the nation” and “long live the
republic” in the distance, signaling Louis’ demise.