The 2016 Aix-en-Provence Festival presented Mozart’s Così fan tutte in a modern, provocative production directed by Christophe Honoré. The staging reimagined the opera’s exploration of fidelity and deception against the backdrop of colonial-era Africa, addressing themes of power and exploitation. Honoré’s bold interpretation divided audiences, with some praising its daring approach and others finding it controversial. Conducted by Louis Langrée, the performance featured an exceptional cast, including Sandrine Piau, Lenneke Ruiten, and Kate Lindsey, whose vocal finesse and dramatic commitment brought vitality to Mozart’s intricate score. The inventive production blended historical commentary with the opera’s timeless emotional and comedic core, marking a memorable contribution to the festival’s legacy.

Cast

Kate Lindsey

Dorabella

Nahuel Di Pierro

Guglielmo

Rodney Gilfry

Don Alfonso

Sandrine Piau

Despina

Lenneke Ruiten

Fiordiligi

Joel Prieto

Ferrando

Louis Langrée

Conductor