Even the grandest opera house would be hard-pressed to rival the foot of the Masada mountain fortress as a dramatic setting for Giuseppe Verdi's great work "La Traviata".
The opera was performed here during a festival complete with flames and fireworks, creating a dizzying spectacle against the backdrop of the bare sandstone escarpment.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Traviata was the focus of the 2014 Masada Opera Festival, on the shores of the Dead Sea in Israel.
Reuters photographer Amir Cohen documented cast members rehearsing for the ambitious production shortly before it opened on June 12.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
The festival’s setting has rich cultural associations.
Built by King Herod as a winter palace between 37-31 BC, Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been a source of archaeological fascination.
The opera festival is being held there for the fourth time in five years.
1 / 12
Slideshow
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Cast members rest backstage during a dress rehearsal.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
The stage stands mostly empty below the looming slopes of Masada.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
A worker carries a prop as he helps prepare for a rehearsal.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
A performer is reflected in a mirror as make-up is applied to her face.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Cast members walk towards the stage at the start of the dress rehearsal.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
A performer is illuminated by blue light.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Conductor Daniel Oren directs the orchestra during the dress rehearsal.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Cast members practice on stage.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Performers rest between acts.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Cast members play their parts.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Soloist Shiri Hershkovitz (right) performs.
. MASADA, Israel. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
A member of the cast is silhouetted in front of bright lights on stage.