Sandra Oh is set to grace the stage at the Metropolitan Opera for the first time on October 17, taking on the role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp in the opera “La fille du régiment.” The production will be showcased from October 17 to November 12 at the renowned Met in New York City.
Reflecting on her journey, the Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning actress shared a nostalgic moment on Instagram, recalling her initial visit to the iconic venue back in 1989/90 for a Juilliard audition. Oh expressed her amazement at the full-circle experience, stating, “The first time I came here, right on this spot was in 1989/90. I auditioned for Juilliard (didn’t even get a callback)… Now coming to rehearsal for my Met Opera debut is surreal.”
“La fille du régiment” is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century and revolves around a young orphan girl raised by a regiment of the French army. The lead role of the “daughter of the regiment” will be portrayed by soprano Erin Morley. This opera, composed by Gaetano Donizetti, premiered in 1840, with the current production helmed by French opera director Laurent Pelly since 2008.
In this upcoming production, Sandra Oh will take on the non-singing role of the Duchess, a part usually performed by non-opera singers. Notable figures like U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and drag queen Monét X Change have previously undertaken this role in different productions.
Prior to her involvement in “La fille du régiment,” Oh showcased her talent as Olivia in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park summer series, where she starred alongside Lupita Nyong’o, Peter Dinklage, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
While Sandra Oh is widely recognized for her roles in television and film, including “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Killing Eve,” she fondly refers to herself as a “merciless theatre kid,” emphasizing her early passion for drama and performance arts that helped her find her community.
This exciting debut at the Metropolitan Opera marks a significant milestone in Sandra Oh’s illustrious career, adding another prestigious accomplishment to her already impressive repertoire.
