Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Capacity 2700 seats
Tosca
Opéra Bastille
Until October 29, 2020
Italian with English & French subtitles
Location
Duration
3 hours
2 intermissions
Details
Opera
Recommended for all ages
In Italian with English & French subtitles
Highlights
This popular opera by Giacomo Puccini first premiered in Rome in 1900, telling the tale of two lovers who are threatened by an evil police chief at the time of Napoleon's invasion of Italy in 1800. Originally based on a French play by Victorien Sardou, Puccini cut down the dramatic tale of love and torture into three concise and forceful opera acts.
The jealousy of Tosca's heroine has significant consequences for the destiny of her lover, will love prevail?
Indulge in the Theatre in Paris Deluxe Opéra Package, an exclusive ticket package available even after standard sales for the opera are closed. Deluxe tickets come with a show programme, a glass of champagne upon your arrival at the venue, 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.
Story
The overwhelming image of a cross hangs above the landscape, symbol of collusion between political and religious oppression: Director Pierre Audi’s interpretation divests the work of its ceremonial dress and strips bare its perfectly regulated tragic mechanism, the cogwheels of its drama operating with pitiless efficiency. Seamlessly transitioning from opera to theatre, the original Sardou play becomes the very symbol of operatic art. The music overflows the drama to reveal the sensuality of its immortal heroine.
Through Tosca - a symbol of lyric art in itself - Giacomo Puccini writes a score of exceptional theatrical and dramatic force, and offers the main protagonist a highly emblematic role: figure of the tragedian in Sara Bernhardt style.
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 three categories available, each of which provides a comfortable view of the subtitles. The theatre is an Italian style auditorium, meaning the seats are in a horse-shoe shape. Theatre in Paris guests are centrally placed either in the orchestra, on the first level/mezzanine, or in the second, third, and fourth level lodge boxes to have an optimal view of the stage and subtitles.
How do I get to the theatre?
The theatre 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.
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.
How long does the show last?
The show lasts three hours, including two intermissions.
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 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 Opéra Bastille, 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!
What is included with my tickets?
A dedicated show programme, a complimentary glass of champagne, and exclusive access to the beautiful Salon Berlioz is included with your tickets.
Where do I collect my show programme and champagne?
At the Opéra Bastille, you can collect your included show programme in the main store, at the programme stand in the entry hall, or at the various programme stands on the ground, 2nd, and 4th floors.
You can choose to enjoy your champagne or desired beverage before the performance or during intermission at any of the public bars or in the exclusive Salon Liebermann. The Salon is located on the first floor on the right-hand side when entering the building, accessible by elevators or stairs.