Performer: Gianluca Sbicca

14th-century Venice, a city of intrigue, criminal activity and mysterious masks, is the setting for Donizetti's opera about the Doge Marino Faliero, whose life is torn between public and private issues.

Performing arts duo Ricci/Forte throw what feels like the entire directorial arsenal at this production.

Giorgio Sangati's staging idea pits Christians vs Saracens as pop stars against dark metal.