Premiere of Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra” directed by Agnieszka Smoczyńska
In her operatic debut, Smoczyńska transforms the story of a historical figure from the 14th century into a futuristic drama about Europe. We take “Simon Boccanegra” to the neo-medieval times, to a world in which the concept of community is falling apart and the climate catastrophe is real. This is a space in which the main character, Simon – a pirate elevated to the rank of a leader – tries to save his daughter’s happiness at the cost of his own life. The opera, full of melancholy, love and darkness, perfectly resonates with our contemporary fears of the coming end of the world which can still be saved – says Agnieszka Smoczyńska.
The production opens at the Polish National Opera on February 14, with subsequent performances on February 16, 19, 21 and 23, 2025. The title role will be played by Sebastian Catana, alongside Gabriela Legun as Amelia Grimaldi, Rafał Siwek as Jacopo Fiesco, : Anthony Ciaramitaro as Gabriele Adorno and Szymon Mechliński as Paolo Albiani. Conducted by Fabio Biondi – Italian conductor known for historical performances.