Mozart’s popular comic opera Così fan tutte is reimagined in the illusion-filled world of social media in the new production by Kriszta Székely, director of the Katona József Theatre. This visually striking, projection-enhanced and youthful production features soloist Ildikó Megyimórecz, Zsófia Kálnay, Botond Pál, and Attila Dobák in the leading roles. The Hungarian State Opera Orchestra is conducted by Levente Török. The production presented at the Hungarian State Opera's Eiffel Art Studios between 15 and 23 May 2026 will also be available online for six months on OperaVision.
How long can a long-distance relationship last when others are trying to win over the lovers? How do the sublime ideals of lifelong fidelity begin to erode under the pressure of reality? These are among the questions explored by Così fan tutte, which, following in the footsteps of Le nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni, examines the resilience of relationships with exceptional sensitivity in what is often called the “school for lovers.”
Kriszta Székely, who began her theatrical career as a ballet dancer, has always maintained a strong connection to musical stage genres. After directing several one-act works, she most recently staged Les contes d'Hoffmann at the Hungarian State Opera five years ago. In her latest production, beyond highlighting the humour inherent in Mozart's opera, she focuses on the breaking points at which fidelity begins to falter, and on the consequences of the disillusionment that the characters ultimately face. As she puts it: “This work is about ideals, about disillusionment, and about bold questions that, I believe, remain relevant to this day.”
The visual world of the production draws inspiration from the kitsch-leaning aesthetics of online social media. To depict this, Zita Schnábel has created a dynamic space using LED columns, complemented by large-scale video projections reminiscent of pop concerts, designed by Zsombor Czeglédi. The costumes, conceived by Dóra Pattanyus, blend contemporary fashion with Rococo silhouettes.
Among the leads, Ildikó Megyimórecz makes her debut as Fiordiligi, while Zsófia Kálnay returns to the role of Dorabella after more than a decade. The two officers testing their fiancées’ fidelity are portrayed by Botond Pál (Ferrando) and Attila Dobák (Guglielmo), both appearing in these roles for the first time. István Kovács takes on Don Alfonso, while Zsuzsanna Kapi appears as Despina. The the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra is conducted by Levente Török, recently appointed general music director in Aachen and principal conductor of the Miskolc Symphony Orchestra.
In the current season, Così fan tutte is performed three times: 15, 17, and 23 May 2026. The final performance is streamed live on OperaVision, where it will be available to watch until November 23.
