23 Dec-4 Jan 2004. Directed by Giuseppe Bertolucci, with Mariella Devia, Massimo Giordano, Vladimir Stoyanov and, on 4 Jan only, Renato Bruson.

The Teatro Regio in Parma starts its season during the festive period with Verdi's La Traviata, 23 Dec-4 Jan. This version was last performed in 2001 to mark the centenary of Giuseppe Verdi's death. Directing it is Giuseppe Bertolucci, a film director and brother of the famous Bernardo. Bertolucci has moved La Traviata forward in time to 1950: it is set in a black and stylised environment punctuated with fiery red, in which a little girl and a magician silently take the listeners by the hand and guide them through the passion and magic of the world of opera. The leading role will be played by Mariella Devia, who can confidently sing one of the most difficult parts ever written by Verdi. On stage with her will be Massimo Giordano and Vladimir Stoyanov. Renato Bruson, the last great Verdi baritone of the 20th century, will play the part of Giorgio Germont on 4 Jan only. Paolo Di Nicola