La traviata

What's it about?

Melodrama in three acts (1853) Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave In Italian with German and English surtitles In a sparkling sea of champagne, dance, and elegance, Violetta Valéry enjoys the vibrant life of Parisian society. But behind the glittering facade hides a woman whose heart seeks more than glamour and pleasure. When the young Alfredo Germont enters her world, another life seems within reach – one founded on love and sincerity. Yet, in a world where money and social reputation are paramount, there is little room for feelings. With La traviata, Giuseppe Verdi created an opera of painful beauty – with moving arias, gripping choral scenes, and an orchestral sound that makes the longing and drama of this tragic love story palpable in every note. For the new Bregenz production, celebrated Italian director Damiano Michieletto relocates the action to the era of the Roaring Twenties. Inspired by the glamorous flair of the Great Gatsby era, he leads “the one who went astray” into a world where seemingly everything is allowed – except true love. Between jazz clubs and decadent parties, lust for life and fragility, Violetta faces a decision that will seal her fate forever. Verdi's courageous work was a veritable scandal when it premiered in 1853 at the Teatro La Fenice, as it exposed the social double standards of the time. With its spectacular backdrop, the Seebühne becomes a mirror of a world in which a woman breaks from love. Under the musical direction of Kirill Karabits and Pietro Rizzo, who are making their debut in Bregenz, the audience will experience one of the most moving operas in music history for the first time on the Bregenz Seebühne. Musical Direction: Kirill Karabits, Pietro Rizzo Direction, Stage: Damiano Michieletto Costumes: Paolo Fantin Lighting: Alessandro Carletti Choreography: Thomas Wilhelm Video: Roland Horvath Sound: Alwin Bösch, Clemens Wannemacher