Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra” marks operatic debut of director Agnieszka Smoczyńska

Love, betrayal, loyalty and the struggle for power – universal emotions and dilemmas of human nature are at the center of “Simon Boccanegra“, an opera considered one of Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpieces. In February 2025, it will return to the stage of the Polish National Opera after 27 years. The new production is directed by Agnieszka Smoczyńska who has made her name with the films “Fuga” and “Silent Twins”.

In her operatic debut, Smoczyńska uses the story of a 14th century historical character to present 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 harmonizes with our contemporary fears of the coming end of the world, which can still be saved – says Agnieszka Smoczyńska.