Opera in the Open returns to Dublin for 14th season

The 14th annual Opera in the Open kicked off yesterday with a performance of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca at Meeting House Square in Dublin's Temple Bar.

About 800 people amassed under four giant umbrellas provided to shield against any rainfall.

To appeal to a wider audience and not just opera aficionados, a narrator sets each scene, giving a brief synopsis of the characters and storyline. Tosca, which is normally is a three-hour opera, was condensed into approximately one hour, focusing on the most powerful and recognisable scenes.

Fans of Opera in the Open can expect four more days of performances, every Thursday at 1pm at the amphitheatre at Wood Quay during August.

The event is free to the public but programmes can be purchased for €2 and all proceeds will be donated to charity.