Barbablù opera at Teatro Coccia reimagines female role

In collaboration with Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini di Jesi, the Fondazione Teatro Coccia di Novara has revived Béla Bartók's sole opera, 'Bluebeard's Castle,' which was first staged in Budapest in 1918, with a libretto by Béla Balázs. Directed by Deda Cristina Colonna, this rendition showcases sets and costumes designed by Matteo Capobianco, featuring a geometric castle. The orchestration, adapted by Paola Magnanini and Salvatore Passantino, condenses the original 90-piece ensemble to 23 musicians under the baton of Marco Alibrando. Recently, the production premiered in Novara and Jesi, emphasizing Judith's character. The dissonant score accentuates the disconnect between Bluebeard (Andrea Mastroni) and Judith (Mary Elizabeth Williams), shifting focus from femicide to Judith's quest for love and acceptance.