Daphne (Teatro La Fenice) on AllMovie

The Teatro La Fenice di Venezia mounted this 2006 stage production of composer Richard Strauss's 1937 opera Daphne. This classical tragedy tells of the eponymous heroine (June Anderson), a sunlight-worshipping virgin who has no interest in earthbound romantic relationships. Unable to return her childhood-friend Leukippos's (Roberto Saccà) affections, and unwilling to don a special dress for the Dionysian festival, Daphne soon encounters a mysterious stranger, in the guise of a herdsman, who makes an unsuccessful attempt to wheedle her into romance. He ultimately reveals himself as Apollo (Scott MacAllister), the god of the sun, and enters a violent rivalry with Leukippos for Daphne's affections that ends tragically for all. The Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro La Fenice di Venezia provide musical accompaniment; Kevin Knight designed the sets and costumes.