This is visually an arresting performance of this beautiful opera, a simple but arresting set representing a prison, and beautiful costumes evocative of the era in which the work is set, without being historically accurate. To my ears especially Antonacci shone as Elisabeth (despite the hideous make-up); I was less entranced by Mariella Devia as Maria Stuarda although I could she she was doing a fine and accomplished job, but to me her tone is too metallic and her face is very static. She's like Pavarotti, she thinks so hard about the singing that there is no room left for acting.