The World Premiere of Julie, Monster: a queer baroque opera

In December 2021, RVA Baroque premiered an original opera dramatizing the amazing story of Julie d’Aubigny, swordswoman, opera star, and sexual outlaw in Louis XIV’s France.

Created by RVA Baroque Artistic Director Raphael and composer Niccolo Seligmann, the new work was performed by a cast of 18, seven instrumentalists from RVA Baroque, and an array of electronic musical applications.

Performances took place live at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, Virginia, with simultaneous streaming online. P J Freebourn directed the show, and Jaylin Brown starred as Julie (pictured). The production was accomplished with zero COVID exposure, and the live performances sold out.

The information on this page describes the people and ideas behind the premiere production. For more information, go to the opera's dedicated website: juliemonster.org. 


Julie, Monster can be licensed for performance. Contact nseligmann@juliemonster.org