Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Capacity 2700 seats
Romeo and Juliet
Location
Duration
3 hours 5 minutes
With 2 intermissions
Details
Ballet
Recommended for all ages
No dialogs
Highlights
While Shakespeare's play has inspired many works, this magnificent tragic love story has never been so powerful as in Rudolf Nureyev's ballet. The Russian choreographer created this ballet in 1984 for the Paris Opera using incredible music of Sergei Prokofiev whose memorable melodies and rhythms of "The Dance of the Knights" and "The Balcony Stage" will continue to enchant you.
Nureyev's magnificent choreography underlines the violence and intensity of Shakespeare’s drama while celebrating his vitality and youth. The ballet will amaze you with the lyricism of its duels, balls and love scenes.
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
In Verona, the Capulet and Montaigu families have an eternal hatred and never stop clashing. But when Romeo Montaigu and Juliette Capulet meet, their passion wins out over family hatred and they marry in secret. Tensions escalate when Juliet's cousin Tybalt kills Mercutio, Romeo's friend. Romeo has no other choice but to avenge his friend by striking Tybalt in return. As a result, Romeo is banished from the city but Juliet forgives him. She refuses to follow her parents' wish to marry Count Pâris and swallows a potion that will pass her off as dead. Romeo, discovering Juliet's lifeless body, kills himself on his tomb. When Juliet wakes up, she discovers Romeo's dying body and kisses Romeo one last time before joining him in death.
Having become a staple of the Paris Opera Ballet's repertoire, Rudolf Nureyev's colorful choreography, sensual but also brutal, will be performed by the Etoiles, First Dancers and Corps de Ballet in the original sets and costumes by Ezio Frigerio and Maura Pagano, which transport the public to Renaissance Italy.
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.
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!