Monk and the rose

But in recent years, the work has seen a revival with many major opera houses including it in their repertoire once again.

"It is hard to imagine an opera that is more in line with the times, with its hunger for luxury, striving for beauty and longing for eternal youth on the one hand, and its religious asceticism and fanaticism on the other hand," Cuccia says.

The creative force behind the NCPA's version of Thais is Argentine director Hugo de Ana, who is also the set and costume designer.

Known for his spectacular sets and a regular guest at the world's most prestigious opera houses, De Ana has previously directed NCPA's other productions such as Giuseppe Verdi's opera Macbeth and Antonin Dvorak's opera Rusalka.