"Every time I go out, people throw themselves on me": why Maria Callas ended her life in total isolation

By Blanca Lacasa (La Repubblica)

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Throughout human history (from Jeanne la Folle to Zelda Fitzgerald), isolation has always been for women an instinctive defense method or a social punishment. In the case of Maria Callas, it was a bit of both.

“ At the end of her life, she became more and more isolated. Many friends had abandoned her, and she kept her distance from those who had not yet done so. It was always more difficult to see her. You had to call her five times before you could reach her. His servant said “Madame is taking a bath”, “Madame is at the hairdresser” or “Madame is getting a manicure”. And after the fifth time, when you finally got on the phone, it was extremely difficult to agree on a time to see each other. So, unfortunately, you ended up not even trying anymore . ” This is how Jacques Bourgeon, a friend of Maria Callas, evokes the last months of the diva in Tony's documentary Callas (1981)

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