Tom Volf‘s MARIA BY CALLAS is the first film to tell the life story of the legendary Greek/American opera singer completely in her own words. Told through performances, TV interviews, home movies, family photographs, private letters and unpublished memoirs-nearly all of which have never been shown to the public-the film reveals the essence of an extraordinary woman who rose from humble beginnings in New York City to become a glamorous international superstar and one of the greatest artists of all time. Assembling the material for the film took director Volf four years of painstaking research, which included personal outreach to dozens of Callas‘ closest friends and associates, who allowed him to share their personal memorabilia in the film. When recordings of Callas’s voice aren’t available, Joyce DiDonato, one of contemporary opera’s biggest stars, reads her words.
“Performances… are played in their entirety and much to the film’s benefit-to see Callas perform is to comprehend the power she held over both an audience and an art form.” (Vogue)
“The film resolves as a passionate tribute to a woman who commanded the world’s attention, but was never afforded its decency. It’s a curtain call for Callas, and a chance for the great singer to be heard again.” (IndieWire)
“A must-see for opera lovers.” (NOW Toronto)
Sunday, November 18
Doors 12:15 pm | Movie 12:45 pm
Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 at the door
*Minors welcome in the balcony! Must be 19 +w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.
MARIA BY CALLAS: IN HER OWN WORDS (Tom Volf, 2018 / 115 mins / PG) Told through performances, TV interviews, home movies, family photographs, private letters and unpublished memoirs, the film reveals the essence of an extraordinary woman who rose from humble beginnings in New York City to become a glamorous international superstar and one of the greatest artists of all time.