The much-anticipated Adelaide staging of Aida by Italy’s Fondazione Arena di Verona has been postponed “due to unforeseen challenges related to the international transport of artistic assets”, which have upended plans to ship the production’s vast inventory of sets, costumes and equipment from Italy to Australia.

TEG Live, the promoter of the two Arena di Verona performances scheduled for 5–6 February at Adelaide Oval, advised on Friday that the event will be rescheduled, with new dates expected in February 2027.

As yet, there is no announcement regarding the availability or otherwise of the production’s headline opening night cast, Angel Blue (Aida), Jonas Kaufmann (Radamès) and Elīna Garanča (Amneris), and the second performance lineup of María José Siri, Brian Jagde and Agnieszka Rehlis.

Aida at Arena di Verona. Photo supplied

Fondazione Arena di Verona said unforeseen complications in the international transport of artistic assets had made it impossible to maintain the production timetable. Export delays and interruptions to maritime freight have prevented the on-time shipment of 28 containers carrying props, instruments, scenery, costumes and technical equipment from Verona to Adelaide.

The containers were due to arrive in early January to allow for customs clearance...