Sarah Schinasi — Director

Sarah Schinasi is an internationally acclaimed Italian director whose artistic career bridges opera, theatre, dramaturgy, and performance. Recognized for her innovative approach to storytelling, movement, and visual composition, she has created productions throughout Europe and internationally, working with some of the most prestigious opera houses, theatres, festivals, and artistic institutions.

Sarah’s recent work includes the direction of Norma at the Teatro Verdi di Salerno, as well as acclaimed productions of Il Piccolo Marat, Pagliacci, and I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata. Her production of Il Piccolo Marat was presented at the Théâtre Graslin in Nantes and the Grand Théâtre d’Angers before being acquired by the Italian national broadcaster RAI5. Her production of Italiana in Algeri was also broadcast on RAI2 as part of the program Casa Italia.

Throughout her career, Sarah has demonstrated a deep commitment to adapting and reinterpreting classical works for contemporary audiences. She has developed French adaptations of important dramatic works, including Valor, Agravio y Mujer (Value, Outrage and Woman) for the Théâtre National de Nice, as well as adaptations connected to Il Piccolo Marat. She is currently continuing her artistic research through new adaptations and teaching projects.

Sarah began her professional career at the Nice Opera House in 1995, working with Jean Albert Cartier and later collaborating with renowned director Giancarlo Del Monaco as assistant director and associate director. During this period, she participated in major international productions including Fanciulla del West, Falstaff, Otello, Il Trittico, Andrea Chénier, Don Carlo, Carmen, and Lohengrin, presented in France, Spain, Israel, Korea, China, and other countries.

Her international career has brought her to leading cultural institutions, including the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Teatro La Fenice, Opéra National du Rhin, Teatro alla Scala, Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville, Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia, the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, and the Israeli Opera. She has collaborated with internationally celebrated artists and creative teams, contributing to productions that have reached audiences around the world.

Sarah’s directing philosophy is deeply influenced by dramaturgy, music, and physical expression. She has developed a unique methodology based on Laban/Bartenieff movement analysis, which she has shared through acting and musical performance workshops at institutions including the Juilliard School in New York and the Israeli Opera Studio.

Her artistic foundation combines extensive musical training and theatrical study. Sarah graduated in Piano from the Instituto Superiore Musicale P. Mascagni in Livorno and holds a Master’s degree in History, with a thesis in Dramaturgy, from the University of Pisa. She also received acting training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, enriching her multidisciplinary approach to directing.

Beyond her directing career, Sarah is dedicated to artistic education and the development of new generations of performers. Her work reflects a continuous exploration of the relationship between music, text, movement, and human emotion, creating productions that honor classical traditions while bringing fresh perspectives to contemporary audiences.

In recognition of her artistic contributions, Sarah Schinasi was awarded the Oscar of Arts in Livorno in 2017. Fluent in five languages, she continues to work internationally as a director, educator, and creative force in opera and theatre.