Les Troyens (2012): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2012, Les Troyens is a music film directed by David McVicar, running about 275 minutes.

What it’s about. After the destruction of Troy, the Trojan warrior Énée sets out on a journey to found a new dynasty. He meets Didon, Queen of Carthage, and falls in love. But will Énée's love for Didon prove stronger than his sense of duty? LES TROYENS ('The Trojans') is a tour de force of music that ranges from fiery military marches to intense choruses, passionate soliloquies – such as those of the prophetess Cassandre – and the lyrical love duets of Didon and Énée. It is Hector Berlioz's largest work and he wrote the libretto himself, drawing upon his intimate knowledge of Virgil's Aeneid. To the composer's disappointment, LES TROYENS was only performed once in full during his lifetime and was often presented in shortened form during the 20th century. The Royal Opera's production provides a rare chance to see this epic work in its entirety. David McVicar's staging is on an enormous scale, assembling one of the largest casts ever seen at Covent Garden.

Who’s in it. Les Troyens stars Bryan Hymel as Aeneas, Eva-Maria Westbroek as Dido, Anna Caterina Antonacci as Cassandra and Fabio Maria Capitanucci as Coroebus, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Les Troyens page.

If you liked it. Fans of Les Troyens tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.