Paris in the 19th century, Christmas Eve. While everyone is rushing out into the streets to celebrate, things look very different in a draughty attic room. Four poor artist friends live here together in a bohemian flat-share: the painter Marcello, the musician Schaunard, the philosopher Colline, and the poet Rodolfo. They dream big dreams—even though they barely have enough money to get by. But that doesn’t spoil their spirits. They are young, the world lies before them—and Paris is vast. So off to Café Momus! Only Rodolfo stays behind to finish an article. When the neighbour Mimì knocks at the door, he immediately develops feelings for her, but their delicate love is soon overshadowed by Mimì’s poverty and illness.

Puccini’s opera is one of the greatest masterpieces of all time. Emotion and heartbreak meet precisely drawn scenes of the precarious artistic life of the period, a sharp analysis of urban society caught between acceleration and isolation, and psychologically nuanced characters. In 1984, Harry Kupfer’s production of this opera was first staged at the Volksoper and has since been revived many times because of its popularity. In 2022, the Kronen Zeitung wrote that “one experiences with fascination how skillfully Kupfer worked back then, how every character is perfectly drawn,” and Der Standard recognised “timelessly great music theatre.” Now this legendary production returns.

First picture

Four bohemian friends on Christmas Eve in a Parisian garret. Poet Rodolfo, painter Marcello, philosopher Colline and musician Schaunard are starving and cold. Rodolfo burns the manuscript of his drama. Schaunard brings money, food and firewood. The landlord Benoit, who demands the long overdue rent, is thrown out. The friends move into the Café Momus; Rodolfo still wants to write and stays behind. Mimì, who lives in the same house, uses this moment to finally meet Rodolfo. In love, they both follow the friends to the café.

Second picture

Café Momus in the Latin Quarter. Exuberant Christmas atmosphere. Rodolfo introduces Mimì to his friends. Musetta, Marcello's girlfriend, appears – as so often – with a rich suitor. Once again addicted to their passion, Musetta and Marcello leave the café. The friends follow. The Galan who stays behind has to settle the bill.

Third picture

One year later. At a city gate in Paris. The sick Mimì asks Marcello for advice: Rodolfo torments her with his jealousy. She overhears a conversation between Marcello and Rodolfo, who is about to leave her because he is too weak to stay with the incurably ill woman. Mimì manages to get Rodolfo to agree to a compromise: they postpone their separation until next spring. Musetta leaves Marcello after an argument.

Fourth picture

Half a year later. The attic of the first picture. The friends feel the emptiness of their existence. Musetta brings the terminally ill Mimì. Musetta sells her jewellery, Colline hocks his coat to enable medical help. Mimì dies.