Kara Walker stages Norma at Teatro La Fenice for Venice Biennale

American artist Kara Walker directs, designs sets and costumes for Vincenzo Bellini's Norma at Teatro La Fenice in Venice, a special project of the 56th Venice Biennale. The production, which debuted last season, returns with soprano Mariella Devia in the title role for the first time in Venice. Devia, a bel canto specialist, first performed Norma in 2013 at age 65. Daniele Callegari conducts the orchestra and chorus of Teatro La Fenice, prepared by Claudio Marino Moretti. The cast includes Roberto Aronica as Pollione, Roxana Constantinescu as Adalgisa, Simon Lim as Oroveso, Anna Bordignon as Clotilde, and Antonello Ceron as Flavio. The premiere is August 27, with three additional performances through September 18.