Mario Ceroli's 1978 Aida Set Design Revived at La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice in Venice is staging a revival of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida with the original 1978 set designs by Mario Ceroli, who turned 81 on the opening night of May 18. The production, originally directed by Mauro Bolognini (who died 19 years ago), is now directed by Bepi Morassi, Bolognini's former assistant. Ceroli, known for his long collaboration with Bolognini, Pasolini, and others, created a minimalist aesthetic that rejected the opulent clichés of Aida productions. Superintendent and artistic director Fortunato Ortombina, who has been at the theater since 2001, explains that the revival aligns with La Fenice's model of combining production and aesthetic innovation. The 1978 staging was also a political gesture during a polarized era, emphasizing the opera's intimate essence. Aida was originally written for the 1870 inauguration of the Cairo Opera House and the opening of the Suez Canal. The revival runs until June 1. Ortombina notes that La Fenice now produces 150 operas and 60 concerts annually, reflecting a modern approach to public service and labor. The theater has maintained strong ties with Venice and the Biennale, collaborating with artists like Kara Walker and Mariko Mori. Since its 1996 fire and 2001 reopening, La Fenice has become a global theater while remaining deeply local.