Sarah Schinasi’s directing career encompasses a wide range of opera and theatre productions presented by leading international institutions. Her work combines strong dramaturgical vision, movement, and visual storytelling, creating interpretations that connect classical repertoire with contemporary audiences.
Recent Productions
Norma — Teatro Verdi di Salerno (2025)
Sarah Schinasi directed a new production of Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma, continuing her exploration of powerful dramatic characters and complex human relationships.
Il Piccolo Marat — Théâtre Graslin, Nantes & Grand Théâtre d’Angers (2024)
Her production of Mascagni’s Il Piccolo Marat received public and critical acclaim and was later acquired by the Italian national broadcasting channel RAI5. The work reflects Sarah’s ability to combine historical drama, emotional intensity, and contemporary theatrical language.
Italiana in Algeri (2024)
Sarah directed a new production of Rossini’s comic opera L’Italiana in Algeri, which was broadcast by RAI2 through the Casa Italia program, bringing her interpretation to a wider international audience.
Pagliacci & I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata — Opéra Royal de Wallonie (2023)
Sarah directed new productions of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and Verdi’s I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata. The productions became available internationally through platforms including MEZZO and Medici.tv.
Andrea Chénier — Teatro Nacional São Carlos, Lisbon (2022)
Sarah’s production of Giordano’s Andrea Chénier was presented at the Teatro Nacional São Carlos in Lisbon, continuing her international work in Italian opera repertoire.
Il Piccolo Marat — Fondazione Teatro Goldoni, Livorno (2021)
For the centenary celebration of the work, Sarah created a new production of Mascagni’s Il Piccolo Marat for the Fondazione Teatro Goldoni in Livorno. She also staged the New Year’s Gala in Nice, conducted by Maestro Daniele Callegari.
International Opera Productions
Andrea Chénier — Slovenia & Italy (2019)
Sarah conceived and directed Andrea Chénier for the Slovenian National Theatre of Maribor and the Fondazione Teatro G. Verdi in Trieste, creating the staging, movement direction, and video design. The production was broadcast live in prime time by Slovenian national television.
Turandot — Teatro Pérez Galdós, Canary Islands (2018)
Sarah opened the International Festival of the Canary Islands with a new production of Puccini’s Turandot, broadcast live by RTVE-Canarias.
La Fille du Régiment — Teatro Verdi, Trieste (2017–2018)
Her production of Donizetti’s La Fille du Régiment was recognized as a public and critical success. During the same period, she directed Don Carlo at the Israeli Opera.
Don Carlo / Don Carlos — International Productions
Sarah collaborated with Giancarlo Del Monaco on Don Carlo for the opening of the 80th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, conducted by Maestro Zubin Mehta. The production was screened worldwide and broadcast by RAI5. She later served as Associate Director for Don Carlos in Bilbao.
Earlier International Collaborations
Sarah began her professional career at the Nice Opera House in 1995, working with Jean Albert Cartier and later with Giancarlo Del Monaco as assistant director and associate director. She contributed to major productions including Fanciulla del West, Falstaff, Otello, Il Trittico, Andrea Chénier, Don Carlo, Carmen, and Lohengrin, presented internationally in France, Spain, Israel, Korea, China, and other countries.
Her collaborations include major artistic institutions such as 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 Valencia, the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, and the Israeli Opera.
Dramaturgical Adaptations & Theatre Work
Alongside opera, Sarah has developed theatrical adaptations and translations, including Valor, Agravio y Mujer (Value, Outrage and Woman) for the Théâtre National de Nice, as well as adaptations connected to Il Piccolo Marat. Her work demonstrates a continuing commitment to dramatic research, language, and the renewal of classical works for modern audiences.