Irish National Opera in association with Bord Gáis Energy Theatre present Puccini La bohème
An unforgettable story of youth, love and bohemian life in Paris, La bohème is one of the most romantic operas of all time. Irish National Opera’s new production features Irish international star soprano Celine Byrne who is “really looking forward to performing Mimì in La bohème. It is a dream role for me, having made my debut in 2010 with this role with Scottish Opera. I have performed Mimì several times since, including Irish National Opera’s wonderful live stream concert during the pandemic. I absolutely cannot wait to get perform this role again, and to have that adrenaline from performing this opera for a live audience.”
Puccini’s best-loved opera is both comic and touching. A timeless tale of how deep bonds are formed in the face of adversity. The bohemian characters start out intoxicated with life and full of optimism. But their carefree existence eventually runs out of road. Love turns to suspicion; passion gives way to jealousy and poverty leads to illness. Each character tries in vain to hold on to a dream that vanishes. Puccini’s lush orchestration carries the soaring operatic voices as we ride the roller coaster of emotions.
La bohème is directed by Orpha Phelan and designed by Nicky Shaw with lighting design by Matt Haskins, the same team that staged the ebullient Don Pasquale and the magical and unforgettable Cinderella in 2019. Phelan describes La bohème as “possibly the greatest opera ever written. Why? Because Puccini’s starting point is real people. Just like us, they struggle to find their way, they fall in love and they fight for what they hold dear. When we see them, we see ourselves. Like life, this opera veers from laugh-out-loud scenes to moments of utter heartbreak, and is as magical for the first time opera goer as it is for an aficionado.”
La bohème will feature the Irish National Opera Orchestra, as well as the Irish National Opera Chorus and vibrant Children’s Chorus to add to the magic of the occasion. Don’t miss Irish National Opera’s dazzling new production and experience Puccini’s sublime music in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from Monday 20 November to Sunday 26 November 2023 for five performances only.
