A Courtyard Traviata

An Opera That Leaves the Theatre

With A Courtyard Traviata, writer Alessandro Baricco signs one of the most original proposals of the opera season at the Teatro Regio di Parma. Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece is torn from the conventions of the traditional stage and relocated outdoors, in the evocative courtyard of the Antica Grancia Benedettina of Colorno, in the Bassa parmense region. Here, the opera becomes a collective experience, where the spectator does not remain seated in their seat but moves freely within the scene.

How the Immersive Performance Works

Baricco's idea deliberately breaks the schemes of melodrama: all barriers between the stage and the audience fall, and the public becomes an integral part of the narrative. Spectators walk within the dramatic action, toast with bowls of wine, taste local cured meats, and sing along with the protagonists, experiencing the story of Violetta Valéry as if they were guests at a large village festival. The structure follows four fundamental acts of the story: love, conflict, humiliation, and finally the protagonist's death, held together by Baricco's own narration.

Live Music and Great Voices

Musical direction is entrusted to Maestro Enrico Melozzi, while creative direction and casting are by pianist Gloria Campaner. On the vocal side, young opera talents and established performers alternate: the role of Violetta is played by soprano Floriana Cicìo, Alfredo is interpreted by tenor Matteo Roma, while baritone Franco Vassallo plays Giorgio Germont. They are accompanied by live ensembles and the Coro del Teatro Regio di Parma, led by Maestro Martino Faggiani.

A Touring Project Born in Colorno

The performance is a new production conceived by Alessandro Baricco with Domenico Procacci and IMARTS - International Music&Arts. Colorno and the Teatro Regio di Parma have the honor of hosting its absolute debut, before the tour reaches other Italian cities. For the small town in the province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna, this is a prestigious event that combines the great Verdian operatic tradition, deeply rooted in the Parma region, with a contemporary and participatory language capable of bringing opera closer to a new audience.

Why It's Worth It

• The touch of Alessandro Baricco, one of Italy's most beloved storytellers
• An outdoor and immersive staging, unique of its kind
• The historic setting of the Antica Grancia Benedettina of Colorno
• The opportunity to experience Traviata from the inside, toasting and singing