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How do you put on great art on an island in the middle of a salt water lagoon when everything on stage, from the soprano singers to the spare lightbulbs and the tall scenery, must be brought in on a tiny barge, twisting its way around narrow canals and under low bridges? The Ö÷²¥´óÐã’s Simon Pitts explores the passions and determination of the singers, technicians and designers of Teatro La Fenice, Venice’s opera house, as it puts on a new production of Die Lustige Witwe, known in English as The Merry Widow.

The programme gives a rare backstage view into one of Italy’s great cultural institutions. Featuring interviews with star opera director Damiano Michieletto, conductor Stefano Montanari and singer Nadja Mchantaf, as well as musicians and even the La Traviata boat driver.

Produced by Andrea Kidd for Ö÷²¥´óÐã World Service.

(Photo: Gran Teatro La Fenice, Venice – Italy. Credit: Getty Images)