La bohème

September 2024

Composer: Giacomo Puccini
Librettist: Luigi Illica & Giuseppe Giacosa
Based on: Scènes de la vie de bohème (Scenes of the bohemian life) by Henri Murger
Premiere Performance: February 1, 1896—Teatro Regio, Turin

Following the 2023-24 season’s traditional production of Puccini’s La bohème, in September the Atlanta Opera Discoveries series continues the “Bohème Project” with two immersive productions at Pullman Yards. Produced by Tomer Zvulun with Ukranian-Israeli American designer, director, and multimedia artist Vita Tzykun, the Discoveries series “Bohème Project” comprises repertory performances of a modern-day La bohème–with the COVID-19 pandemic in place of tuberculosis—with the Broadway show it inspired, Jonathan Larson’s Rent, which updated Puccini’s story of friendship, passion, and art by setting it in the midst of the 1990’s HIV/AIDS crisis. Both performed on the same set, with the action taking place in and around the seated audience, the productions will feature different casts and musical forces and will alternate nights for most of the run.

Three Pandemics. Three Centuries. One Story.

Upgrade your experience!

Relax before the show and during intermissions at Mimi’s—our exclusive lounge area.
Click for more info.

Warning: This production includes simulated drug use and other adult themes, situations, and depictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This production includes the use of haze, strobe lighting, loud music, and sirens.

Read Synopsis

Date + Times

Act I: 40 min | Act II: 20 min
Intermission: 25 min
Act III: 30 min | Act IV: 30 min
Approximate run time: 2 hr, 25 min

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Questions about the performance? Contact us at [email protected]

Media

SIDEBAR | Bohème Project: Design
The Bohème Project at Pullman Yards
Rent & La bohème | Teaser Trailer
2024-25 Season Announcement
Program

Cast + Creative

Creative

Conductor
Co-Director
Co-Director, Set & Projection Designer
Assistant Director
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Projection Programmer
Associate Lighting Designer
Wig & Makeup Designer
Assistant Scenic Designer
Sound Designer

Creators

Giacomo Puccini

Giacomo Puccini (Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini) was born on December 22, 1858 in Lucca, Italy. He was one of the greatest exponents of operatic realism, who virtually brought the history of Italian opera to an end. His mature operas included La Bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904), and Turandot (left incomplete).

Puccini’s conception of diatonic melody is rooted in the tradition of 19th-century Italian opera, but his harmonic and orchestral style indicate that he was also aware of contemporary developments, notably the work of the Impressionists and of Stravinsky. Though he allowed the orchestra a more active role, he upheld the traditional vocal style of Italian opera, in which the singers carry the burden of the music. In many ways a typical fin de siècle artist, Puccini nevertheless can be ranked as the greatest exponent of operatic realism.

Full Bio

Luigi Illica

Luigi Illica (9 May 1857 – 16 December 1919) was an Italian librettist who wrote for Giacomo Puccini (usually with Giuseppe Giacosa), Pietro Mascagni, Alfredo Catalani, Umberto Giordano, Baron Alberto Franchetti and other important Italian composers. His most famous opera libretti are those for La bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Andrea Chénier.

Full Bio

Plan Your Visit

Pullman Yards

This historic property is located on the edges of Kirkwood and Edgewood. Originally built in 1904 by Pratt Engineering, The Pullman Company Purchased the property in 1926, expanded it and gave it its iconic name. Pullman Yards is brings fun, arts and culture to the neighborhood, the city of Atlanta and all its surrounding areas. Pullman is host to performances, rotating exhibits, two on-site restaurants, and Emory’s Science Gallery.

Mimi's Lounge @ La bohème

Relax before La bohème and during intermission at Mimi’s—our exclusive lounge area. Comfortable chairs, a sophisticated-casual atmosphere, and private bar await. You must have a performance ticket for access to Mimi’s Lounge, select your performance date below: