Details

Puccini's most enduring opera. The story of the love of the poor poet Rodolfo for the consumptive seamstress Mimi. Set in the Latin Quarter of Paris the course of their love is constantly threatened by Rodolfo's jealousy and Mimi's illness. The painter Marcello and the provocative Musetta are the other main characters. This is where 'your tiny hand is frozen' comes from and the last few bars, as Rodolfo realises Mimi is dead, are some of opera's most moving moments. Isango's version of La Boheme will transfer the story from the garrets of Paris to the townships of South Africa. The music will be played on Marimbas and Steel Pans in a style similar to the company's Olivier Award-winning The Magic Flute which was seen at the Young Vic in 2007 and the Duke of York's Theatre in 2008. The townships where the performers come from are amongst some of the world's highest infection areas for TB. In the company's extended families many are living with the realities of TB on a daily basis. Running time: 2hrs 15mins

Creatives/Company

Music: Puccini
Lyrics(s): Giacosa, Illica
Book by: Murger
Company: Isango Ensemble
Adapted by: Mark Dornford-May
Director: Mark Dornford-May
Musical Director(s): Pauline Malefane, Mandisi Dyantyis
Other(s): Peter Cann (words), Isango Ensemble (words)