Cassandra McCowan

Set in 18th-century Italy, Stiletto follows Marco, a young castrato singer navigating the opulent yet perilous world of Venetian opera. His life changes when he meets Gioia; confident, strong willed...and supremely talented. But despite her musical gifts, as a black woman in a racist and misogynist society, there’s no chance for her to fulfil her dreams. Marco recognises her talent and, sensing that they are both outsiders as well as sharing a love for music, they fall in love. When a murder shatters their world, Marco must confront his past to save her. A sweeping tale of ambition, love, sacrifice, and resilience, Stiletto brings an opulent, rarely explored slice of musical history to the stage.