The HGOAntiqua period-instrument orchestra will perform in a fully-staged production in Italian (with English surtitles) of Monteverdi's 1643 opera. When Emperor Nero falls obsessively in love with the ambitious Poppea, their toxic romance becomes Rome’s ultimate power play. She’s ruthless, he’s unhinged, and together they’re unstoppable. Around them: gossiping servants, doomed philosophers, vengeful wives, scheming exes, and a chorus of opportunists, all pulled into the chaos of Poppea’s ascent. As Ancient Rome collides with modern decadence, and marble deities oversee a glittering empire of excess and golden opulence, two people’s all-consuming lust can bring down an empire.