Forbidden Love

Jules Massenet's lush telling of Werther comes to Toronto courtesy of the Canadian Opera Company in a brand new production directed by Alain Gauthier. An irresistible tale of unrequited love based, Werther is based on Goethe's semi-autobiographical novel 'The Sorrows of Young Wether'. And sorrows they truly are as the brooding poet falls for the betrothed Charlotte and is driven to the brink of life itself.

What is the story?

Despite making a promise to her late mother that she would marry Albert, Charlotte, the eldest daughter of the local Bailiff, finds herself being escorted to the ball by Werther, a young man who deeply loves her. Werther's world is torn apart by her nuptials with Albert and utterly disconsolate, leading to a decision that risks everything.