Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Capacity 2700 seats
Verdi's La Traviata
Opéra Bastille
Until December 23, 2020
Italian with English & French subtitles
Location
Duration
3 hours and 5 minutes
2 intermissions
Details
Opéra
Recommended for all ages
Italian with English & French subtitles
Highlights
In telling the story of a young courtesan plagued by bourgeois hypocrisy and ill health, Verdi radically contradicted the morality of his time. A century and a half later, La Traviata has become the most popular opera of all time.
To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose from a selection of unique add-ons upon booking, such as a private cocktail, or a glass of champagne and exclusive access to the Salon Berlioz. See below for more details.
Story
Highly controversial upon its debut in 1853, Verdi’s La Traviata has not only become the Italian composer's most famous work but also the most frequently performed of all operas today. 19th century audiences were scandalised by the opera’s radically sympathetic portrayal of a young courtesan struggling against the bourgeois snobbery of her contemporary society. Unlike her equivalents in literature of the time, Verdi’s heroine Violetta is intelligent, sensitive, and well-bred. Her undying love for Alfredo, the son of a well-to-do provincial family, is endangered by the shallow morality that surrounds the pair and by Violetta's fatally fragile health.
In his new revival, Simon Stone adds to La Traviata an intimacy that would have been forbidden in contemporary representations, remaining faithful to the convention-defying spirit of Verdi. It is the Australian director’s long-awaited debut at the Paris Opera.
Add-Ons & Special Experiences
Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose one of the following upgrated offers at the time of booking:
Private Dinner Cocktail + Champagne + Programme + Show (6 pers. minimum)
This package includes an exclusive private lounge, an assortment of 25 appetisers per person, champagne, wines and soft drinks.
Private Cocktail + Champagne + Programme + Show (6 pers. minimum)
This package includes an exclusive private lounge, an assortment of 10 appetisers per person, champagne and soft drinks.
Champagne + Programme + Exclusive Access to Salon Berlioz + Show
This package is available even after standard sales for the opera are closed. It includes a glass of champagne, a show programme, and exclusive access to the Opéra Bastille's beautiful Salon Berlioz, reserved for primary ticket holders. A result of our official partnership with the Friends of Paris Opera Association, the package can only be purchased via the Theatre in Paris box office.
Reviews
Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, the building was commissioned by French President François Mitterrand and inaugurated in 1989. For years many had lamented the lack of a modern venue in Paris capable of welcoming modern concerts and performances with different acoustic approaches, and the flexibility that a modulable venue lends. A movement started in the 1960s called for a larger new venue in Paris that would appeal to the masses, a modern compliment to the elaborate Palais Garnier. Just over 100 years after the inauguration of the Palais Garnier, the demands finally won over the newly-elected President Mitterrand, who supported the project as the headliner among many modern works launched during his term. Selecting the popular Bastille neighbourhood for its ease of accessibility from Paris and the surrounding areas, the old Bastille Train Station was destroyed to make way for the construction of the new venue. The building was complete just in time for the bicentary of the French Revolution.
The venue has undergone many changes in direction resulting from varying political affiliations, and has undergone major renovations since its construction to repair and to soundproof the entire structure. Unlike other auditorium designs, each and every seat at the Opéra Bastille guarantees an unrestricted view of the stage. With its white glass ceiling, crisp grey compliments, and black seating adorned with rich oak, the venue is an ode to modernity and simplistic design. From the exterior, made of blue granite from Brittany and blocks of glass, light is reflected from every corner of this angular venue.
FAQ
Where will I be seated and will I see the subtitles properly?
There are a maximum of four categories available, each of which provides a comfortable view of the subtitles. The subtitles are projected above and on the sides of the stage.
How do I get to the theatre?
The theatre is accessible by the metro station Opéra (Lines 3, 7, 8 and RER A). Our hotline can be reached in case of difficulty finding the theatre weekdays from 10 am to 7pm Paris time. For details, we invite you to consult the map above.
What do I do when I get to the theatre?
We invite you to arrive 20 minutes before the beginning of the show, and present your voucher at the front desk. The theatre's English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats. Please note that the performances at the Palais Garnier begin precisely on time, and all late arrivals will not be permitted to enter the auditorium until intermission.
How long does the show last?
The show lasts three hours and five minutes, including two intermissions.
Is it a show for travellers or French people?
Both! The Palais Garnier has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for close to 150 years. This legendary opera performance is sung in its original Italian, and subtitles in both French and English are provided for audiences to appreciate in one of France’s most iconic venues.
Subtitles or “surtitles”?
Surtitles (also called supertitles) are the theatre equivalent of subtitles. That’s because in French “sur” means “above”. At the Palais Garnier, the text is projected both on the sides of the auditorium, and centrally directly above the stage. Read more about surtitles here.
Does the venue have a specific dress code?
For Parisian operas and ballets, the dress tends to be a bit fancier than in other venues, so feel free to have a little fun and dress to impress. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in casual chic attire. Generally, elegant casual wear is required, jackets are recommended for men. Shorts, Bermuda shorts, flip-flops, sportswear and trainers are discouraged.
Is there a coat check available?
Free cloakrooms are available on various floors of the theatre. Travel bags and suitcase are not allowed.
Can I take photos of the performance?
In order not to disturb the artists on stage, and for the comfort of other guests, you are not permitted to photograph, film or record the performance for the duration of the show. As long as the performance is not currently in session, feel free to take a snapshot of the wonderful venue to remember your night out!