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| arriving through the artists' entrance |
It has taken me almost 50 years of living in Italy, but finally I did get a chance to attend the opera held in Rome's magnificent Baths of Caracalla.
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| the chorus waiting for their cue |
The
opera staged in the Baths of Caracalla is a
highlight of a summer vacation in Rome. For those who live here and have friends who work in the
field, it can mean a very special night
out.
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| few people were invited |
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| Director Pizzi with his entourage |
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| props and shadows at the opera |
This we discovered when Aurelio, a member of the chorus of the Rome Opera, organized a special visit behind the scenes at the
Baths of Caracalla.
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| Act II scenery |
We were able to assist at the prova generale of Puccini’s
Tosca which is being held there
this week.
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| singers Aurelio Cicero Santalena with Raffaella Angeletti |
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| before costumes |
Raffaella Angeletti, who plays Tosca
and Antonello Ceron (Spoletta) sat down with us at the outdoor café reserved for artists and personnel before retiring
to their dressing rooms for make up and costumes.
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| wardrobe ladies |
Then, just like Conductor Renato Palumbo and his family, we
explored parts of the huge archeological complex to admire the mosaics that still decorate parts of
the baths where Roman citizens cavorted between 216 and 530 AD.
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| admiring the mosaics of the Baths |
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| intact mosaics Baths of Caracalla |
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| conductor Palumbo shows his family around |
Pier Luigi
Pizzi ‘s new version of Tosca by will be a surprise for public and critics
for it features Scarpia and the sbirri dressed
in Fascist uniforms.
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| costume board |
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| with Pizzi |
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| Aurelio, Susanna, Antonello Ceron and MJ |
Don’t wait for 50 years to enjoy an evening
at the Baths of Caracalla where you can combine great opera music with a sublime archeological
setting.
