Martone's staging of "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "Pagliacci" combines these two operas into a captivating overall experience. His realistic approach makes the characters' emotions and conflicts palpable, while increasing the tension between the stage world and reality. The performances of "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "Pagliacci" at La Scala promise a rousing performance of these two verismo masterpieces.