Rigoletto is an Italian opera by Giuseppe Verdi, first performed in 1851. The opera is based on Victor Hugo's play "Le roi s'amuse" and tells the tragic story of the hunchback jester, Rigoletto, and his daughter, Gilda. One of the main themes of the opera is the curse that haunts Rigoletto and brings about his downfall. The curse is cast by Count Monterone, whose daughter has been seduced and dishonored by the Duke of Mantua. Monterone confronts the Duke and Rigoletto at court, but they both mock him. Monterone then curses them, revealing the corrupt and immoral nature of the court and the characters involved.
2023 Portland Witches Paddle Boarding Event
Picture this: a convoy of witches on stand-up paddleboards gliding along the Willamette River against the backdrop of Portland’s skyline. Watch witches descend on the downtown waterway at this annual paddle boarding event in October.
In a city known for its quirky traditions and unique events, the 6th annual Portland SUP Witches promises to be a spectacle that blends the spirit of Halloween with the city’s love for outdoor activities.
Here are the details about the 2023 event:
Monterone then curses them, revealing the corrupt and immoral nature of the court and the characters involved. The curse has a profound effect on Rigoletto, who already lives a tormented and isolated existence due to his deformity. He is deeply superstitious and believes that the curse can bring harm to him and his loved ones.
2023 Portland Witches Paddle Boarding Event
The Portland witches paddle boarding event is Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. This event has become a beloved tradition that brings together paddleboarding enthusiasts, Halloween aficionados and those looking for a spooktacular time on the Willamette River.
The 6-mile round trip between Willamette Park and Tom McCall Waterfront Park transforms into a bewitching journey.
Where to Watch
The rhythmic paddling against the river’s current and the vibrant costumes make for a visual treat that captures the essence of Portland’s eccentric charm.
While the event starts at 11 a.m., it will take time for the paddlers to reach these viewpoints from Willamette Park. Plan on having an open schedule to take in all the enchanting sights on the river.
Here are prime viewing points along the Portland waterfront:
- John’s Landing Neighborhood
- South Hawthorne Waterfront Park
- Tilikum Crossing Bridge
- Hawthorne Bridge
- East Bank Promenade
- Tom McCall Waterfront Park
For those planning to watch from Willamette Park, organizers kindly request refraining from parking in the lot to ensure there’s ample space for the witches. It’s a small but crucial gesture to support the event’s logistics and make sure everyone has a magical experience.
How to Participate
If you love paddle boarding and want to join in on the bewitching fun, dust off your witch or warlock costume and fly to Willamette Park. Participating is free. There is a fee to park.
Organizers do ask that all participants are experienced paddled boarders, wear a PFD and leash, and have a whistle and waterway permit. You’ll also need to bring your own SUP, paddle and other equipment.
Paddlers are encouraged to hug the west side of the river, specifically the South Waterfront side, avoiding the middle and showing courtesy to passing boats. This not only ensures safety but also enhances the visual spectacle for onlookers. Participants can do as much or as little of the 6-mile route as they want.
For more information about participating, read the FAQ page.
Whether you’re paddling alongside other witches or cheering them on from the riverbank, this event captures the spirit of Halloween in a fun, free event for all the enjoy. For more information, visit PDX SUP Witches’ website.
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Looking for more Halloween events? Here’s a full list:
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Naito Parkway between SW Harrison Street and NW Glisan Street
Portland , OR 97204
Photos: Hundreds hit the Willamette River for 6th annual witch paddle
Hundreds of witches, warlocks, wizards and more hit the Willamette River Saturday morning for the sixth annual stand-up paddleboarding “Witches on the Willamette” event.
Clear skies and sunshine brought out a larger group this year, as participants paddled from Willamette Park north to Tom McCall Waterfront Park and back.
The witch paddle all started when event organizer Ginny Kauffman of Portland saw photos of a similar Halloween event in California several years ago. Since then, the paddle in Portland has grown from a few dozen participants to many hundreds.
Photos of the event in the gallery above.
Watch our videographer Vickie Connor participate in the event (with her dog Stella) in the video below:
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Ironically, Rigoletto is also a cruel and malicious character, who takes pleasure in mocking and ridiculing others. The curse serves as a poetic justice, bringing about the tragic events that eventually lead to Rigoletto's downfall. The curse also affects Gilda, Rigoletto's innocent and naive daughter. She falls in love with the Duke, unaware of his true nature and the harm he has caused others. Gilda becomes the victim of the Duke's manipulation and seduction, ultimately resulting in her death. Throughout the opera, the curse hangs over the characters, creating a sense of foreboding and inevitability. It highlights the themes of fate and destiny, as well as the consequences of one's actions. The curse acts as a catalyst for the tragic events that unfold, exposing the moral corruption and hypocrisy of the court. In conclusion, the curse in Rigoletto plays a significant role in shaping the narrative and driving the tragic events of the opera. It serves as a symbol of justice and retribution, exposing the immoral actions of the characters and leading to their eventual downfall. The curse adds a layer of depth and complexity to the opera, reinforcing its themes of fate and morality..
Reviews for "The Curse of Rigoletto: Examining the Connection Between Art and Curses"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Rigolettto the curse." The plot was slow and hard to follow, and the characters lacked depth. The music was also underwhelming and failed to captivate me like other operas do. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable experience and would not recommend it to others.
2. Michael - 1 star
I found "Rigolettto the curse" to be incredibly boring and uninteresting. The story felt cliche and predictable, and the performances were lackluster. The set design was also unimaginative, and I didn't feel transported to the world of the opera like I usually do. I struggled to stay engaged throughout the performance and couldn't wait for it to end.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I have seen many operas in my life, but "Rigolettto the curse" was one of my least favorites. The lyrics were confusing and hard to understand, and the vocals were not impressive. The production lacked energy and failed to engage the audience. I left the performance feeling disappointed and wishing I had chosen a different opera to attend.
4. Matthew - 3 stars
While "Rigolettto the curse" wasn't terrible, it certainly didn't live up to my expectations. The story felt convoluted and difficult to connect with, and the pacing could have been improved. The performances by the cast were decent, but nothing stood out as exceptional. Overall, it was a mediocre opera experience that left me hoping for more.