5 July-14 Aug 2005. Dance and opera are the protagonists on one of the worlds most spectacular stages: the Roman baths of Caracalla, where sets are cut back to a bare minimum leaving the monumental ruins to provide a dramatic backdrop for the productions. The space is large and its worthwhile going for the more expensive tickets at the front if you dont want to spend the evening squinting into your opera glasses to make out a face. Puccinis Madame Butterfly conducted by Donato Renzetti, directed by Renzo Giacchieri, with Maria Pia Ionata, Barbara Di Castri and Roberto Aronica, inaugurates the lyrical programme (9-15 July). It is followed by Aida by Verdi conducted by renowned tenor Placido Domingo, directed by Paolo Miccich, with Sylvie Valayre, Marianna Pentcheva, Mario Malagnini and Juan Pons (23 July-4 Aug). The ballet Swan Lake, with the Balletto del Teatro dellOpera, closes the programme, with the tireless Carla Fracci in the role of the Queen Mother (10-14 Aug).