Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Capacity 2700 seats
The Satin Slipper
Opéra Bastille
Until June 13, 2021
French with English & French subtitles
Location
Duration
6 hours 30 minutes
With 2 intermissions
Details
Opera
Recommended for all ages
In French with French and English surtitles
Highlights
This new opera is one of the three premieres which the Opéra national de Paris composed as part of the French literature cycle. The composer Marc-André Dalbavie transforms the drama of Paul Claudel to opera. He explores diffraction and sound capabilities by creating performance which is just as impressive as the original work of Claudel.
This incredible love story will be directed by Stanislas Nordey, whose achievements in theater and opera have already been recognized all over the world!
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
The young Don Rodrigue de Manacor comes to the coasts of Africa and sees Doña Prouhèze, the wife of Don Pélage. They immediately fall in love. However, Rodrigue is forced to join the New Continent. Dona Prouhèze sets out to follow but she must give up her love when the king forces her to rule the citadel of Mogador. She send a last letter to Don Rodrigue who, crossing seas and continents for 10 years, is looking for ways to manifest their love for eternity.
Paul Claudel's drama is titled "The Worst is Never Sure", the plot alternates between comic and joy, irony and buffoonery, as well as the exterior imperative and the aspiration to the universal.
The greatest soloists such as Luca Pisaroni, Eve-Maud Hubeaux and Marc Labonnette will bring the opera to life for its world premiere at the Palais Garnier. This opera also marks the last performance of the French tenor Yann Beuron, who has become a staple in the lyrical landscape.
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
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 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 six hours and thirty 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!