Last Wednesday, Teatro dei Rinnovati in Siena hosted an “unconventional” rendition of Suor Angelica by Giacomo Puccini, produced by AMAT. The performance, which thrilled the audience, garnered particular acclaim from the younger attendees who came in large numbers to experience this innovative take on the opera.
The event was part of Siena in Opera, a series of musical theater and opera productions initiated by Vincenzo Bocciarelli, Director of Siena’s Theaters. The initiative aims to enrich the season’s cultural offerings by evoking the ambiance of Italy’s grand opera houses while introducing innovation and accessibility to engage a wider audience.
Directed by Sergio Basile with musical direction by Concetta Anastasi, leading AMAT’s Unconventional Orchestra, this production presented a fresh perspective on the opera. The performance began with a prologue inspired by a graphic novel conceptualized by the director and students from Class 5E of the Galilei High School in Siena, guided by Professor Andrea Sguerri. Illustrated by Spartaco Ripa, who also designed the striking crucifix centerpiece created by the Florence Academy of Fine Arts, the prologue captivated the audience.
Actors Beatrice Rincicotti and Francesco Perinelli performed an intense exchange of letters, setting the narrative’s tone. The subsequent act of Puccini’s opera opened dramatically with the thunder of bombs from an Austrian offensive during World War I. Set in May 1917 at a monastery in Asiago, the scene unfolded as the smoke cleared to reveal nuns wearing gas masks. The poignant Ave Maria introduced a single, cohesive dramatic arc culminating in an unexpected finale, with thousands of leaflets cascading from the gallery onto the audience.
The cast, warmly applauded, included:
Cristina Rosa as the main character of Suor Angelica, Irene Zas as the Princess Aunt, and Francesca Lazzeroni, Costanza Renai, Anastasia Egorova, Keren Or Davidovitch, Alex Normanno, Sara Michelassi, Emma Alessi Innocenti, and Gioia Pucci in supporting roles.
The Unione Corale Senese “Ettore Bastianini” joined the production for a moving final tableau reminiscent of the Pietà, marking the protagonist’s death.
Francesca Lazzeroni of AMAT commented:
“People often say today’s audiences don’t resonate with opera. I’d argue that opera feels distant because its presentation hasn’t evolved, widening the disconnect. But it’s just a matter of providing the right context. Opera is a communicative art form, and we must offer audiences the tools to understand it. Seeing so many young people moved and immersed in the story was deeply satisfying.
We gave them this context, especially through personal involvement. Suor Angelica (Antonia Da Ponte) has been a year-long project, including school initiatives that prepared students for the opera. This prequel narrative allowed them to connect with and fall in love with the characters.
Young people experience life in a “melodramatic” way, with emotions felt intensely and completely. This dynamic production—combining music, dialogue, gestures, and action seamlessly—helped them understand and relate to the story. Judging by the audience’s reaction, this unconventional opera was a success.
I extend my gratitude to the Director of Siena’s Theaters for embracing our vision of non-traditional opera and including it in the Siena in Opera program.”