THE epic story of the rise and fall of Boris Godunov, the Tsar who ruled Russia in the 16th century, can be seen in a special Royal Opera House broadcast in Peebles later this month.

Bryn Terfel stars as Boris Godunov, in the towering title role of The Royal Opera’s new production of Musorgsky’s magnificent opera conducted by Antonia Pappano.

Haunting and political, the opera is a drama of conscience and oppression where the characters are pushed to their very limits. Boris is considered to be one of the greatest and most complex bass-baritone roles and the monumental score is enhanced by huge Russian choruses.

The production is directed for stage by the award-winning Richard Jones. Interwoven with Russian icons and Eastern folklore the story is told through a series of hallucinations, in an unidentified era, allowing the dark political themes to run through the story.

Boris comes to power by murdering the nine-year old Dmitry, heir to the throne. Boris rules well but famines, thought by some to be divine punishment, lead to rising support for his enemies.

A young monk realizing he was born the same day as the murdered Tsarevich decides to pose as the risen Dmitry in a bid to seize the throne. The already guilt-ridden Boris, plagued by his dark secret struggles to hold on to the power as the pretender marches on Moscow.

This is the original 1869 version, performed in seven scenes, and makes few concessions to operatic conventions.

This special production will be broadcast live at the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles on Monday March, 21 at 7.15pm.

Tickets are price: £17, £10 for schoolchildren.