Scottish Opera stages The Merry Widow in Mafia setting

Scottish Opera's new production of The Merry Widow reimagines the classic operetta as a 1950s New York Mafia story. The production opens at the end of April. Director John Savournin's adaptation, co-written with David Eaton, sets the familiar tale within a Mafia family, with characters like Baron Zeta becoming Don Zeta. The production aims to explore comedic elements within this setting. The production, a co-production with D’Oyly Carte Opera and Opera Holland Park, will tour Scotland and then London. Savournin emphasizes respect for the original while updating the language.