Agnieszka Smoczyńska takes time out from film to direct an opera for the first time, taking us through the half lights of a hauntingly spectacular post-apocalyptic world of symbols and references, and a rollercoaster of always the same human emotions, from vileness and treason to responsibility, integrity and love.
The director, also music director and conductor Fabio Biondi and Sebastian Catana who sings the title part in the National Opera's new production of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra are speaking to Elżbieta Krajewska.