Sofia Coppola to direct opera

Oscar-winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola is swapping the screen for the stage to direct her first opera.
The director, who won an Oscar in 2003 for Best Original Screenplay for her film Lost in Translation, is set to helm a new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s long-running romantic tragedy La Traviata at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma in Rome, Italy in May (16).
She was invited to direct the production by the opera house’s patron, the Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani, who was inspired by her ability to balance classic and modern elements in her 2006 historical drama Marie Antoinette, the venue’s bosses tell Reuters.
The designer’s foundation will help fund the production, and the costumes will be made by his fashion house Valentino.
La Traviata will run for 15 performances from 24 May (16) to 30 June (16).