“Symphony of Sorrowful Songs - ENO
Most of all, however, Isabella Bywater’s stage direction and designs capture and amplify the beating heart of this symphony without in any way sensationalising it. It’s not a foregone conclusion that a concert work will be even more compelling when staged. There have been examples of the opposite result in this very theatre. Bywater’s often hauntingly beautiful production, however, is impeccably understated yet full of striking images. ”

“Faust - Mariinsky Theatre
Isabella Bywater’s Faust at Mariinsky: fresh ideas, rich colours, musically responsive. Knocks out the Victorian stuffing.”

“Lucia Di Lammermoor - Danish National Opera
Gripping and moving. The mad scene was paralysing – violent, gentle, wild, despairing and dreamy, leading down several paths at once. An unexpected ecstasy.”

“La bohème - San Diego Opera
A wonderful verismo production designed and directed by Isabella Bywater”