Tender is the night … La boheme is still breaking hearts
La bohème delves into the lives of Bohemians living on the fringes of Paris in Puccini’s romantic and heartbreaking tour de force – newly minted for Brisbane Festival.
La bohème is one of the world’s most loved operas and a new production from Opera Queensland is about to be presented by QPAC and Brisbane Festival.
A romance for the ages and the opera that inspired Rent and Moulin Rouge, La bohème will be staged at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre, September 4 to 13.
Opera Queensland brings Puccini’s masterpiece to the Lyric Theatre for the first time in more than two decades. It’s a sweeping, beautiful, deeply romantic production that follows the lives of four young dreamers – artists, lovers and friends – through hardship, humour and heartbreak.
This acclaimed new staging, created in collaboration with West Australian Opera, was described by Limelight as “as dazzling as snow in sunshine”.
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At its heart is the story of first love between the poet Rodolfo and the seamstress Mimì, a romance that burns bright and fast in a world where winter, illness and poverty are never far away.
The production stars Elena Perroni as Mimì and Valerio Borgioni as Rodolfo, with Nina Korbe as the spirited Musetta, Samuel Dundas as Marcello, Jeremy Kleeman as Schaunard and Luke Stoker as Colline.
They are joined by Shaun Brown and Bradley Daley, alongside the Opera Queensland Chorus, Opera Queensland Children’s Chorus and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
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Directed by Matt Reuben James Ward and conducted by Umberto Clerici, the production moves the action to 1920s France, following the aftermath of World War One.
Set and costume designer Charles Davis and lighting designer Christine Felmingham create an evocative, snow-drenched world where Bohemian freedom collides with the fragility of life and love.
Opera Queensland CEO and artistic director Patrick Nolan, says La bohème is considered one of the great operas “because it speaks so directly to our hearts”.
“It is often said that we don’t hold on to facts, but feelings stay with us forever. In La bohème we are reminded of the simple power that falling in love and being surrounded by great friends has to offer. And then there is the exquisite music, played by the QSO led by Umberto Clerici – you would be mad to miss this one.”
Director Matt Reuben says the company has “created a world that exposes the fragility of human existence. In this snow-drenched sanctuary, our young bohemians discover that love alone is not enough to save them. La bohème is about young people chasing freedom and paying the price for it.”
Puccini brings this world to life with some of the most beautiful and recognisable melodies ever written. From Mimì’s gentle Si. Mi chiamano Mimì to Rodolfo’s soaring arias, this is an opera packed with heart, joy and unforgettable musical moments.
For opera aficionados and first-timers alike, La bohème is a tender and heartbreaking opera that will sweep you off your feet.
La bohème, an original co-production by Opera Queensland and West Australian Opera, is presented in association with Brisbane Festival and QPAC and plays the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, September 4-13.