Maria Callas’ costume for Macbeth at La Scala in 1952 in photos

Maria Callas’ costumes evoke a special frisson of excitement: knowing that she was wearing it when she sang a role so loved from a recording, and, for a few, having actually seen her 60 years ago in the theatre dressed in the same costume now sitting on a mannequin.

Milan’s Teatro alla Scala preserves these costumes, and those of many other legendary opera singers, with loving care. There is no permanent exhibition of costumes at the theatre or its museum, something which should be redressed (pun intended).

Here are some photos of the costume designed for Callas’ Lady Macbeth by Nicola Benois in 1952.