The Rival's Aria

A one-woman show by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, directed by Stoyan Radev, starring Bilyana Petrinska. "Good singing, good living, good death" — this is the motto that opera prima Carlotta Berlumi follows in her life and career. And she truly seems to fulfil it: blessed with a naturally beautiful voice, she wins a competition at 17, and at twenty is already singing in Aida at Milan's La Scala. Life is generous to her — showering her with talent, devoted admirers and numerous lovers. But the appearance of another opera star casts a shadow over her triumphant march across the opera stages — Maria Callas. Her rival is her complete opposite: with a voice like "a fire-engine siren", with her innovative stage presence and her model's looks. What is the key to this enigma? What is the magic by which Callas seduces crowds all over the world? Carlotta Berlumi tries to find the answers in the twilight of her days, when she has yet to perform the last part of her motto — "a good death". Directed by Stoyan Radev. Performance lasts 1 h 10 min. Not recommended for persons under 12. Performances are with English subtitles.