With a 400-year history, opera has gone through some inevitable changes over the centuries, but those unfamiliar with the genre tend to view it as boring or even intimidating.

While it is true that opera was originally aimed at the nobility, it has been available to everyone for the last couple of centuries, even though some still deem it elitist. Opera is, put simply, a story which is acted out by singers. It incorporates various art forms, including singing, an orchestra, acting, scenery, costumes and, occasionally, dancing. Whether a comedy or a tragedy, every opera is full of drama and intrigue, engaging plots and heart-wrenching scenes. However, what makes opera an enduring art form is its universality and timelessness. Every opera tells a story that is as relevant today as it was when it was written.

This is especially true of operas like Tosca, which was written in the verismo, or realist, style. It tells the story of celebrated singer Tosca as she tries to save her lover Cavaradossi from the ruthless police chief Baron Scarpia. Although the opera is set in 1800, the love story between Tosca and Cavaradossi still resonates with audiences, as does their tragic helplessness in the face of Scarpia's scheming.

"If we read most opera plots carefully, we sadly discover that humankind is pathetically cyclic in its behaviour," says world-renowned tenor José Cura, who designed and is directing Tosca, as well as playing the role of Mario Cavaradossi. "In the case of Tosca, we see the fight between freedom and oppression, which is among the oldest social ideals. This ideal was yet to be proven as bad as the previous one at the time when the opera is set: the French Revolution dethroned a king to then crown an emperor. In any case, forms of art that result from the sublimation of what humans can do when they invest their energies in greatness instead of misery will never die."

Something else that makes Tosca very appealing to today's audiences is how surprisingly modern Floria Tosca herself is as a character. Although she is the toast of Rome's high society, she is also insecure and jealous of any woman who comes close to the man she loves. However, Tosca's self-doubt does not stop her from doing the unimaginable to defend the one she loves. "My favourite part in the opera is when Cavaradossi discovers Tosca's real 'essence' when he realises that under the skin of the apparently superficial diva lies a strong determined woman waiting to be revealed," shares Cura. "Her phrase 'Ucciso da una donna', which refers to Scarpia having been killed by a woman, and all those abused by him having thus been avenged, is a quote that can hold its own next to any current feminist statement."

Opera in Malta has a long tradition, but few productions have dared or been able to offer a fresh staging of the popular Italian operas until now. Under Cura's direction, Teatru Manoel's co-production with Valletta Cultural Agency will be the first to use the stage in a completely novel way. "Maestro Cura has practically reinvented the stage of Teatru Manoel for this production," reveals Michael Mangion, Head of Production and Events at Teatru Manoel. "Our hope is that, thanks to his innovative use of space in the theatre, we will be able to produce more big operas in the future, and thereby also open up the genre to audiences that have yet to discover it."

The Teatru Manoel and Valletta Cultural Agency co-production of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca, in collaboration with BOV, will be performed at Teatru Manoel tonight and on 8, 10 and 12 March 2023, with all performances at 7.30pm. This production is suitable for audiences aged 14 and above. Tickets are available via www.teatrumanoel.mt or by email to [email protected] and telephone on (+356) 2124 6389.