Opera in the squares of Florence, the metropolitan city, and then also in Montevarchi and Marina di Grosseto. An initiative by the Teatro del Maggio, supported by the Fondazione CR Firenze, to introduce opera to those who have never been to an opera house. The new initiative is ‘Opera Camion 2026 Il Maggio in Piazza’: seven free performances — from 27 June to 7 July — of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, presented from a lorry which, when opened, will transform into a stage and a dramatic element.
And the choice of *Gianni Schicchi* is a wonderful one, as it is a tribute to the city of Florence’. ‘An Italian-style comedy ante litteram (as Mario Monicelli suggested), absolutely hilarious, which explores the vices and virtues in which we can all recognise ourselves. It has magnificent music, including the famous aria ‘O mio babbino caro’. It’s entertaining. And short: anyone who wants to can bring a chair from home; otherwise, the one-hour performance will be enjoyable even standing up,” suggests Fuortes. The dates are as follows: 27 June and 6 July in Florence (two squares to be confirmed in Districts 3 and 5), 29 June in Scandicci (Piazza della Resistenza), 1 July Pontassieve (Piazza Washington), 2 July Empoli (Piazza Farinata degli Uberti), 3 July Montevarchi (Piazza Varchi) and 7 July Marina di Grosseto (Lungomare).