La Bohème

Puccini’s masterpiece about the artistic life in nineteenth century Paris is a tale of longing, love, art, and fate, set against a panorama of big city freedoms, loneliness, and joie de vivre. Inspired by daguerreotypes, a forerunner of photography, the stage design of Rufus Didwiszus brings the city of Paris to life as a magical artistic space in which the frenetic life of the Bohemian collides with the pain of evanescence. ‘Kosky gives us the essence of the piece, taking a repertory classic that has gone through a thousand incarnations back to its origins.’ [DIE WELT]

Act 2

The whole city is on its feet, the artists’ quarter is celebrating. At Café Momus, Rodolfo introduces Mimì to his friends, and Marcello discovers his old misery in the hustle and bustle of the night: Musetta! His lost love on the arm of an old lover! A game of love and jealousy unfolds, from which Marcello and Musetta emerge as the new old couple. The finale: the youngsters stick the old man with their bill.

Act 3

Winter on the outskirts of the city: Musetta and Marcello are working, loving and arguing in a tavern. Mimì is hoping for advice from Marcello, because it is not going well between her and Rodolfo. She eavesdrops on Rodolfo, who confesses to Marcello: Mimì is ill, she will die and he can’t help her. Terrified, she reveals herself and both decide to separate – but not until spring. Meanwhile, the jealous Marcello fights with Musetta – yet again they separate.

Act 4

Months later, in the spring: suppressing their heartache and longing for their lost lovers, Marcello and Rodolfo are working alone in their attic. Their friends Colline and Schaunard come over with food – one must celebrate the festivities … Until Musetta arrives – along with the terminally ill Mimì. The friends make her feel as comfortable as possible, they sell their possessions for medicine. Once again, they’re all together, trembling, exchanging friendly words and hoping. But it is too late – Mimì dies, leaving behind the desperate Rodolfo.