This April, the Manitoba Opera will close its season with La Bohème. Composed by Giacomo Puccini, who is known for other iconic operas such as Madama Butterfly, Tosca and Turandot, the opera tells the story of struggling young artists living in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1830s. The opera most notably inspired Jonathan Larson’s hit Broadway musical, Rent, an adaptation set in 1990s New York.

“It’s about these four friends, who are artists […] They’re just struggling being young people, creating their art,” said Anna Theodosakis, director of the show.

Much of the plot follows the romance between Rodolfo, a poet, and his neighbour, Mimì. Mimì is quickly accepted into the friend group, and the opera tracks their relationship as they meet, fall in love, break up and navigate the will-they-won’t-they dynamic of a possible reunion.

Theodosakis highlighted several aspects of La Bohème, including the friendship between Mimì and Musetta — a personal favourite character of hers. She also noted the clever libretto which particularly highlights Rodolfo’s use of metaphors and “beautiful phrases.”

Of the character Mimì, for example, Theodosakis said, “Mimì is really sweet, kind, caring […] but I like to think that she’s not just the sweet little girl next door, but actually is pretty empowered for a woman in the 19th century, living on her own and making the best of her situation.”

For the production, Theodosakis has opted for a traditional approach, placing it in its original 1830s Parisian setting. However, she believes that the opera’s themes remain timeless and relevant.

“The thing I think that makes it so everlasting is how deftly the interpersonal relationships are drawn between the six main characters. So my vision as a director is I’m hoping to really highlight and strengthen and bring out those relationships,” she explained.

Theodosakis is particularly excited about working with the cast, some of whom she has collaborated with before.

“I’m really excited, because in this show about young people, all of the cast is really young — vibrant artists that are just breaking through to being at the top of their career in Canada,” she said. “So, I’m really excited to see the youthful energy that they’ll be able to bring to these characters.”

Beyond the storytelling, Theodosakis believes audiences will love Puccini’s music and the immersive atmosphere created by live singing and orchestra.

“Puccini is one of my favourite composers, if not my favourite composer, and he somehow manages to encompass the feeling of falling in love within a [musical] score,” she said. “It’s absolutely amazing, so hearing the live singers and the orchestra you’ll be able to really feel the music in the theatre.”

While opera has existed for centuries, Theodosakis believes its timeless quality allows for fresh interpretations, keeping it relevant today.

“To me, opera is kind of like Shakespeare,” she said. “My favourite thing is, you can take old operas and reconceptualize them, and they still relate and speak to the societal issues of today.”

The Manitoba Opera’s production of La Bohème will run for three performances on April 5, 9 and 11 at the
Centennial Concert Hall. For tickets and more information, please visit mbopera.ca/season/la-boheme.