The 96th edition of the Athens Epidaurus Festival will launch with Tosca at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, featuring performances on June 1, 2, 6, and 11. Originally performed by the Greek National Opera (GNO) in 1942, starring Maria Callas at the Klafthmonos Square Summer Theatre in Athens, Tosca has since become a beloved favorite.
Credit: akriviadis.gr
This year, GNO Stage Director Katerina Petsatodi revives the 2012 production staged at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, originally directed by Hugo de Ana. De Ana, internationally renowned for his monumental stage sets, has preserved a set true to the composer’s vision. Similarly he preserves the historical context of the libretto featuring sets that include a massive crucifix, a holy table, and a painting studio, complemented by spectacular projections of Rome’s monuments. Additionally the esteemed Lukas Karytinos, Director of the Athens State Orchestra, will conduct the GNO Orchestra.
Performance of Tosca in Odeon of Herodes Atticus on July 28 2022.
Tosca premiered in Rome in 1900 and embodies the ideals of verismo, the Italian naturalism movement that seeks to portray the world with greater realism. For Puccini, realism is found in the intense conflicts between the protagonists: the opera diva Floria Tosca, her lover Mario Cavaradossi, and the sadistic Baron Scarpia, who is infatuated with Tosca. These characters are vividly brought to life in Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa’s libretto. Underscored by Puccini’s highly evocative music, Tosca is a tragic tale of jealousy and passion and remains one of the most famous and frequently performed operas in the world.
In this production, the role of Floria Tosca will be performed by the sopranos Evgenia Muraveva (June 1 and 6) and Cellia Costea (June 2 and 11). Tenors Riccardo Massi (June 1 and 6) and Carl Tanner (June 2 and 11) will portray Mario Cavaradossi, while baritones Tassis Christoyannis (June 1 and 6) and Yanni Yannissis (June 2 and 11) will take on the role of Baron Scarpia.
Those wishing to attend the performance at the atmospheric Odeon of Herodes Atticus, located at the foot of the southern slope of the Acropolis, can book tickets and find more information at the following link: https://aefestival.gr/festival_events/tosca-2/?lang=en.
