OPERA IN FOUR ACTS BY GIUSEPPE VERDI
LIBRETTO BY ANTONIO GHISLANZONI
Stage Direction & Choreography GIORGIO MADIA
Set & Costume Design DOMENICO FRANCHI
Light Design GIORGIO MADIA
Musical Direction MARCIN NALECZ-NIESIOLOWSKI
Soloists, Choir and Ballet of Opera Krakowska
Premiere
14 March 2025
Opera Krakowska
AIDA
Notes by Giorgio Madia
Today, AIDA holds a central place in the operatic repertoire. When a stage director approaches its interpretation, they must—or should—consider the universal collective imagination and audience expectations. The goal, however, should not simply be to meet these expectations, but to surpass them.
The libretto does not specify a precise time period within the broader scope of ancient Egyptian history. This ambiguity gave me the freedom to draw inspiration from all the surviving artwork of that era. In particular, I was captivated by basalt stone statues—artworks that have “survived” not merely as relics but as vivid, enduring expressions of life. These statues are simple yet precious and majestic, smooth like water yet solidly grounded. Most importantly, they embody the universal themes of AIDA: forbidden love and sacrifice.
Embracing this inspiration, I indulged in the monumental spectacle of the opera. However, I replaced lavishness with the simplicity of modern aesthetics infused with an ancient essence. Verdi’s powerful music served as my compass, guiding the creation of a dynamic stage design that underscores the storytelling while honoring its classical roots.
