Mascagni Festival introduces LIS translation and female-centric performances

The Mascagni Festival in Livorno has introduced significant inclusive and thematic programming for its 2026 edition. In a historic first, the opera ‘Cavalleria rusticana’ was performed with simultaneous translation into Italian Sign Language (LIS). The performance, which featured the Coro delle Mani Bianche, synchronized manual expressions with the musical score and conductor to ensure the libretto's meaning reached deaf audiences without losing theatrical timing.

Additionally, the festival presented ‘Mascagnane – Voci che resistono,’ a reading and musical journey focused on the female protagonists of Pietro Mascagni’s works. Narrated by Irene Pivetti and featuring soprano Antonella Biondo, the performance highlighted characters such as Santuzza, Iris, and Isabeau to explore themes of rebellion and resilience. The event also included the presentation of the Mascagni Prize 2026 to Fiorenza Cossotto.