Legendary opera star Maria Callas died on 16th September 1977 at the age of just 53. Her personal life had all the passion and drama of the operatic roles that made her one of the biggest starts of the 20th century. CALLAS is a fascinating insight into the private life of one of the world’s most enigmatic performers. Her love affair with the Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, who ultimately left her for JFK’s widow Jackie Kennedy, is told through famous opera scenes from La Bohème, Madame Butterfly, La Traviata, Tosca, Carmen and many more.
Written and produced by Niall Morris, the idea for CALLAS originated with a single premise. “I was struck by the similarities between Maria’s private life and the roles she played on stage,” says Morris. “I imagined her as Madame Butterfly waiting for Pinkerton to return to her on ship, when they would be reunited – something which never happens in the opera. I started to draw a parallel with Maria, waiting for Onassis on board his famous ship, the Christina. He, too, failed to deliver on his great promises.”
Presented fully staged with costumes and orchestra, a large overhead screen shows historical footage of the life of Maria Callas brought together with a documentary-style narration. The much-loved British actor Simon Callow CBE provides the voice of this extraordinary story which has people transfixed by the larger-than-life details of Maria Callas’s triumphant and ultimately tragic life.
The Life & Music of Maria Callas
2018 UK Tour Dates
2nd June G Live, Guildford 3rd June St David’s Hall, Cardiff 5th June Alban Arena, St Albans 6th June Pavilion, Rhyl 8th June Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe 10th June The Orchard Theatre, Dartford
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