CYGANERIA (La bohème)

For more than 120 years, Bohemian has been staged on stages all over the world, accompanied by vivid emotions of listeners. They equate their life experiences with the hopes, feelings, enthusiasm and dramas of the young heroes of Puccini's opera Verist. Always young: Rudolf and Mimi remain one of the most recognizable pairs of opera characters.

The lyricism and drama of the story unfolding under the roof of a Parisian loft and the everyday images from the life of a group of friends seeking their place in the world of art immortalized in Puccini's music are close to the sensibilities of viewers of every generation.

Summary of libretta

ACT I

In a poor Parisian loft live the poet Rudolf, the painter Marcel, the musician Schaunard and the philosopher Colline. They have neither money nor fuel. It's so cold that Marcel can't hold the brush in his hand. To kindle the fire, Rudolf donates a manuscript of his drama. Colline wanted to pawn some of his books, but the pawn shop was already closed. Then Schaunard arrives with money, fuel, food and wine - a payment received from an English lord.

Friends decide to spend Christmas in their favorite cafe Momus. The homeowner knocks on the door and demands overdue rent. It is difficult for them to finally get rid of him. Friends go to the cafe, only Rudolf remains for a few more minutes. There is a shy knock on the door. It was Mimi's neighbor who came to ask for a fire because she wants to light a candle. An attack of cough forces her to stop for a long time. Because she forgot her room key, she comes back again. The draft extinguishes both candles. As they search for the key in the dark, Rudolf comes across a girl's delicate hand in the dark. Trust and sympathy are born between them.

ACT II

There is a joyful pre-Christmas movement in the Latin Quarter. Rudolf buys Mimi a pink bandana. He introduces her to his friends and a conversation about love ensues. Suddenly, an elegant, defiant lady appears in the company of a wealthy man. This is Musetta, Marcel's former lover. She is already bored with the elderly Mr. Alcindoro and is trying to attract Marcel's attention again. Ordering Alcindoro to buy her new shoes, Musetta gets rid of his companion. A former couple of lovers find each other again. Mimi and Rudolf are also enjoying their affection. Friends are feasting happily.

ACT III

Mimi visits Marcel and tells in despair that Rudolf left her out of jealousy. When Rudolf appears, the girl hides behind a tree and learns the true reason for his actions. It was concern for the health of Mimi, a tuberculosis patient, that prompted him to leave her. In the attic, her condition deteriorated more and more. Mimi falls into Rudolf's arms. Then they part ways. There is a scene of jealousy between Marcel and Musetta and the two also part ways.

ACT IV

Rudolf and Marcel live again in their attic. They try in vain to forget about lovers. Colline and Schaunard bring bread and herring. Friends enjoy hearty food and dance for joy. Schaunard and Colline duel with a coal shovel and a burrower.

Suddenly Musetta appears with the terminally ill Mimi, who wants to see her lover again. Musetta goes out to buy Mimi's dream muff, and Marcel wants to call a doctor. Colline decides to take her coat to a pawnshop.

Rudolf and Mimi are left alone and reminisce about their first evening. The rest of the people are coming back. Mimi is happy with the muffin, which she considers a gift from Rudolf, and falls asleep. Musetta prepares the medicine that Marcel brought. In vain: Mimi died.