Virginia Zeanis Dramatic Lucia J Mad Scene 2 London 1957

Virginia Zeani stunned London s opera goers when she triumphed as Lucia in 1957. The opera had not been heard in England since 1925 and was considered nothing more than a frivolous, out of date curiosity. Toti dal Monte had been the last to sing the role in which she reputedly fluttered a fan. In 1957 the opera was presented in Oscar Hammersteins s vast Stoll Theatre by an ad hoc Italian Touring company. with rudimentary staging and simple, painted scenery. Yet, despite the lack of a sophisticated pr