Ruth Bader Ginsburg To Appear In ‘The Daughter of the Regiment’ Opera

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an accomplished woman, from serving in the highest federal court in the land to being bestowed with the honor of having a new class of praying mantis named after her. According to The Washington Post, she’ll be able to officially add another slot to her resume soon: opera actress.

The Washington National Opera is slated to host Gaetano Donizetti‘s “The Daughter of the Regiment” starting on Nov. 12, and while Lisette Oropesa and Lawrence Brownlee share the top billing, Ginsburg will portray the comedic Duchess of Krakenthorp on the opening night. Cindy Gold will succeed her until the program ends on Nov. 20.

“The Daughter of Regiment” is the story of a girl named Marie, an orphan who was taken in by a squad of French soldiers. Now an adult, she’s struggling with her feelings for a mere peasant, Tonio. A future with Tonio might not come to fruition, however, as “a mysterious Marquise” schemes to abduct her and raise her properly.

The Supreme Court Justice has lamented how her voice lacks the authority of her sense of justice, so Ginsburg singing isn’t a part of the plan. Instead, her vocal cords will grace the theater via spoken dialogue that was refitted for her.

Ginsburg’s passion for the opera is well documented. She and her “best buddy,” the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, bonded over their mutual love of the art form, and their different worldviews were used as the inspiration for one. She has also partaken in more low-key cameos before, including William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice.”

Ginsburg also once curated a program with WFMT where she offered her commentary on the pieces she selected, discoursed “Opera and the Law,” and revealed her top five favorite operas. Ginsburg’s dedication to the courthouse is undeniable, and it’s likely only matched by her adoration for the theater.

Will you try to attend Ginsburg’s historic guest appearance?