L'Elisir d'Amore - Opéra Bastille

Location

Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Capacity 2700 seats

Duration

2 hours and 45 minutes

1 intermission

Details

Opera

Recommended for all ages

In Italian with English & French subtitles

Highlights: L'Elisir d'Amore

L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love) is one of the most celebrated works by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti. Penned in a furiously productive six week period, this quintessential opera buffa soon became a classic of the operatic repertory. Its combination of a hilarious libretto and the dexterity of Donizetti’s score make L'elisir d'amore an unusual delight.

Under the spectacular direction of Laurent Pelly and in a production that has already met with applause numerous times at the Paris Opera, this ultra cool revival of Donizetti’s classic will whisk you away to 1950s Italy. Think sleepy rural backdrops complete with vespas and hay bales, not to mention the famous aria “Una furtiva lagrima’’.

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: L'Elisir d'Amore

Nemorino is a naive young villager who has fallen head over heels in love with the rich and beautiful Adina. Despised by the lovely landowner, Nemorino purchases a love potion from the quack doctor Dulcamara. The mysterious elixir of love may be no more than a bottle of cheap red wine but that’s no dampener to Nemorino’s hopes and he downs the potion in one. Convinced that the elixir is working and now more than a little drunk, Nemorino pretends to ignore Adina and winds up insulting her. So she accepts a proposal of marriage from the pompous sergeant Belcore and, to Nemorino’s dismay, the wedding goes ahead… that very same day! Determined as ever to win back his lady’s hand, Nemorino joins the sergeant’s army to earn a bonus that will allow him to buy a second bottle of potion. Little does he know, his rich uncle has just died and left him his entire fortune. Suddenly Nemorino is the darling of all the village ladies. Will his new riches be enough to charm Adina at last?

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.

Covid-19 Information

Specific measures and obligations may apply to this show. Before making your reservation, please check the updated information on our Covid-19 page: https://www.theatreinparis.com/en/page/covid-19

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Opéra Bastille

Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris

Opéra Bastille

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 completed just in time for the bicentenary 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 gray 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.

Fast facts
Capacity: 2,745
Handicap Accessible: Yes – in order to guarantee access to specific locations, we ask that you make your reservation at least 15 days before the performance.
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

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opera-bastille-grande-salle--interior©patrick-tourneboeuf

opera-bastille©david-mark-pixabay-exterior

FAQ

How do I get to the Opéra Bastille?

The Opéra Bastille is accessible by the metro station Bastille (Lines 1, 5, and 8). 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.

Where will I be seated and will I see the subtitles clearly?

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.

Is it a show for travellers or French people?

Both! The Opéra Bastille has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for 30 years. This legendary opera performance is sung in its original Russian, and subtitles in both French and English are provided for audiences to appreciate in one of France’s most iconic venues.

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 Opéra Bastille begin precisely on time, and all late arrivals will not be permitted to enter the auditorium until intermission.

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.

How long does the show last?

The opera L'Elisir d'Amore lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes including an interval.

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 Opéra Bastille to remember your night out!