The Teatro Regio di Parma has unveiled a new production of Bizet’s “Carmen” for the first time in 19 years.

The opera, which opened on Jan. 12, is directed by Silvia Paoli and conducted by Jordi Bernàcer.

The company is showcasing two casts led by Martina Belli and Ramona Zaharia sharing the title role. They will be joined by Arturo Chacón Cruz and Azer Zada as Don José, Marco Caria and Alessandro Luongo as Escamillo, and Laura Giordano and Veronica Marini as Micaëla.

The cast is rounded out by Armando Gabba, Fabio Previati, Saverio Fiore, Gianni Giuga, Massimiliano Catellani, Eleonora Bellocci, Anna Maria Sarra, and Chiara Tirotta.

In a statement, Anna Maria Meo noted that since 2018, the Teatro Regio has been dedicated to a campaign against violence toward women. She noted that the new production will showcase a perspective to reflect on the theme of women’s liberation, which Carmen takes even if the consequences are extreme.

The production will run through Jan. 23, 2022 for a total of six performances.