Opera diva Maria Callas: a voice that could shatter glass, a beauty that launched a thousand ships, and a personal life seemingly ripped from the pages of a particularly melodramatic opera. Often framed as a tragic figure, especially after her tumultuous affair with Aristotle Onassis, Callas’s story is ripe for reexamination. This new Arena documentary attempts just that, pushing back against the well-worn narrative of the heartbroken diva to present a portrait of a woman who was, by all accounts, a force of nature.
This isn’t just a rehash of the Onassis saga, though that soap operatic chapter undoubtedly gets its due. The film explores Callas as a revolutionary figure in the opera world, a woman who challenged conventions and redefined what it meant to be a prima donna. But the real mystery lies in the deterioration of her once-in-a-generation voice, a decline that drastically curtailed her performances in the late ’50s and early ’60s. The documentary assembles a panel of experts to weigh in on the possible causes, sifting through the speculation and seeking medical explanations for the vocal troubles that plagued the latter half of her career.
While the film acknowledges Callas’s infamous temper and exacting standards – those “difficult diva” whispers that followed her throughout her career – it aims to go beyond the tabloid headlines. Arena sets out to separate the myth from the woman, examining the strength and artistry that fueled her meteoric rise and enduring legacy. For opera aficionados, it’s a chance to gain new insights into a familiar icon. For the uninitiated, it’s an opportunity to discover the complicated life behind the legend.
Arena: Maria Callas: The Final Act airs Sunday, December 29 at 9:00 PM on BBC Two.
