Teatro alla Scala, 05 – 19 September 2022

Working with young people who are days out of school is such a pleasure for me. You can move forward without any difficulties or conflict to make a story together. They are ready to jump into everything with pleasure and excitement, which makes the process such fun. The whole experience of working on Il matrimonio segreto has been extraordinary. It happened at the same time as losing my father, but the timing has been heaven sent – being with them in a sweaty studio in the heat of Milan felt like being in a warm bath.

My approach to this production was to remain true to the original – I am very respectful of opera, of the libretto, the music, and the silences. Yet, I also strive to find a fresh perspective. The idea of “Netflix acting” became a key reference point during rehearsals. I wanted the young singers to approach their roles with modern realism, avoiding the clichés of traditional opera acting. I encouraged them to draw inspiration from contemporary shows like How I Met Your Mother or Breaking Bad – references that resonate today and help make the characters feel real and relatable.

Working with Patrick Kinmonth has been the best encounter ever. We’re absolute fans of each other. He is the King of Beauty and I know that everything he does will be in impeccable taste. Together, we aimed to create a world that felt vivid, alive, and relevant, while respecting the timeless beauty of the original.

For me, the thrill of opera lies in making it as real and contemporary as possible. Seeing these young singers, in their jeans and trainers, bring to life a story that suddenly feels like a modern film was the essence of what I love about this art form – bridging the past with the present, and making it truly accessible and alive.