The award-winning opera producer Ellen Kent returns to York with La Bohème in Spring 2023 performed by the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, on 3rd February 2023
One of the most romantic operas ever written, La Bohème is traditionally staged featuring beautiful sets and costumes. Set in the backstreets and attics of Bohemian Paris, this powerful and emotional opera tells the heart-breaking tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer, Rodolfo. Puccini’s masterpiece, La Bohème, is based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de boheme.
The sumptuous set is inspired by the art of the Bohemian period, particularly Chagall and Renoir. The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and the authentic costumes will transport you immediately to Bohemian Paris. The production includes a brass band, snow effects and Musetta’s adorable dog will also make an entrance*.
The powerful and emotional La Bohème is the tragic tale of doomed romance between consumptive seamstress Mimi and penniless writer Rodolfo. After falling instantly in love, Rodolfo later leaves Mimi due to her flirtatious behaviour, though he is wracked with guilts since their life together has surely worsened Mimi’s delicate constitution. In true tragic opera fashion the pair reunite briefly at the end before Mimi dies. This classic story of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Musetta’s Waltz.
Ellen said “The scene where Mimi and Rodolfo meet and she sings They Call Me Mimi always makes me cry. It’s such a beautiful piece of music. I try to do opera that the audience can emotionally connect with, not just on a musical level but with the personal drama happening on stage”.
Ellen’s production of the extreme poverty in the backstreets and attics of Paris was inspired by reading George Orwell’s book Down and out in Paris.
La Bohème will be sung in Italian with English surtitles. The production also boasts a full orchestra and chorus.
This Ellen Kent Production is presented by Senbla by arrangement with Opera International.
La Bohème will be performed Grand Opera House York
Tickets start at just £13 and are available from www.atgtickets.com/york . Please note that certain seats may have restricted views of the subtitles. Please check when booking tickets. All information is correct at time of release. *Cast subject to change. Musetta’s Dog will make an entrance wherever possible.