Giuseppe Verdi is known for his use of father-daughter relationships but in Don Carlo, he introduces a twist to the theme. Don Carlo (son of the King of Spain) loves Elisabeth (daughter of the King of France), and Elisabeth, Don Carlo. They believe themselves to be in an arranged engagement but quickly discover their mistake — she is intended for Don Carlo's father, the King of Spain.

Don Carlo is one of Giuseppe Verdi's many respected operas and was written towards the end of his career. This production is in Italian (translated by Verdi) though it was originally written in French as Don Carlos.