Gianni Schicchi in Kyiv: an opera where family intrigues become farce
If you're looking to head to the theater for something witty, dynamic, and without hours of drama, check out "Gianni Schicchi" by Giacomo Puccini. The comic one-act opera will be performed on May 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the National Opera of Ukraine in Kyiv. The performance lasts until 4:40 PM, making it easy to combine with a stroll around the center or a late lunch.
What the performance is about
The events transport the audience to Florence in 1299. After the death of wealthy Buoso Donati, his relatives discover that all his property is bequeathed to the monks, and they decide to change the situation at any cost. They call for Gianni Schicchi — a cunning rogue who quickly turns others' greed to his own advantage.
This is Puccini's only comic opera, built on farcical play, confusion, and absurd family agreements. Here, one can easily recognize familiar human weaknesses: greed, manipulation, the fear of losing an inheritance, and the willingness to negotiate when money is at stake. The opera is performed in Italian, and the plot remains clear thanks to the swift stage action.
Why you should go
"Gianni Schicchi" is perfect for those who are just discovering opera or do not want to start with a heavy multi-hour production. The performance is short, comedic, and relies not only on music but also on acting and precise comedic timing. Moreover, at the National Opera of Ukraine, this production is presented as a joint Ukrainian-Italian artistic project.
On this day, "Gianni Schicchi" is part of an evening of one-act performances along with the ballet "Bolero" set to the music of Maurice Ravel. So, the outing can become a double theatrical experience: first — an ironic opera about inheritance and cunning, then — a plastic interpretation of famous music.
Practically
The performance will take place at the Taras Shevchenko National Opera of Ukraine in Kyiv, located at 50 Volodymyrska Street. The ticket price range is from 200 to 1000 hryvnias, depending on the chosen seat.
If you enjoy theatrical stories where characters trap themselves, and the finale rewards the cleverest, "Gianni Schicchi" could be a great choice for a Sunday. Would you go to an opera where a family feud over an inheritance turns into a fun game with ever-changing rules?
