La Boheme November 21, 2026, 18:00

G. Puccini

La Bohème

Opera in 4 acts

Libretto by L. Illica and G. Giacosa

Based on the novel «Scènes de la vie de bohème» by H. Murger

Production Team

Conductor – Nurlan Zharasov, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Production Director – Lyaylim Imangazina, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Production Designer – Vladimir Kuzhel
Costume Designer – Tolkyn Esalieva
Chief Chorus Master – Aliya Temirbekova, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Characters

• Rodolfo, a poet
• Marcello, a painter
• Schaunard, a musician
• Colline, a philosopher
• Benoit, a landlord
• Alcindoro, a wealthy person
• Mimi
• Musetta
• Parpignol, a toy vendor
• A customs sergeant

Students, working girls, shopkeepers, customers, soldiers, waiters, children, and others.

The events take place in Paris in the 1830s.

Act One. In the Garret

A garret in the Latin Quarter – the student district of Paris. Winter. The young inhabitants of the garret, the poet Rodolfo and the painter Marcello, are almost destitute. The room is cold – there is no firewood. Yet the carefree young men retain their good spirits and face life’s hardships with humour. They are joined by their friends, the philosopher Colline and the musician Schaunard. Schaunard has managed to earn a little money and brings food, wine and firewood. Their spirits lifted, the friends play a trick on their landlord Benoit, who has come to demand the rent. Having sent him away, they set off for a tavern.

Only Rodolfo stays behind – he needs to finish an article for a magazine. The poet sits down to work, but makes little progress. A timid knock is heard at the door, and a young woman appears on the threshold. It is their neighbour Mimi. She asks for a light to relight her candle, which has just gone out. Rodolfo obliges, and Mimi leaves, but soon returns: she has dropped the key to her room. While they search for it, the candle goes out again. Rodolfo feels increasingly drawn to the delicate young woman. Mimi’s account of her solitary, modest life deeply touches him. He confesses his love to her, and she returns his feelings.

Act Two. In the Latin Quarter

Christmas Eve. The square and the café are bustling with activity. Rodolfo introduces Mimi to his friends. At the height of the festivities, Marcello’s former lover Musetta appears. She is accompanied by a pompous elderly gentleman, her wealthy admirer Alcindoro.

Musetta tries in vain to attract Marcello’s attention, but he pretends to be indifferent to her charms. The resourceful young woman devises a convenient excuse to get rid of her companion. She sends Alcindoro away on an errand, and as soon as he leaves, she passionately embraces Marcello. The cheerful company departs, leaving Musetta’s elderly admirer to settle the unpaid restaurant bill.

Act Three. At the Outpost

An early February morning. A tavern near one of the gates of Paris. After a long search, Mimi finds Marcello. Distressed, she turns to him for advice. What should she do? Rodolfo loves her, but his jealousy and irritable temper have become unbearable. Should they separate?

Rodolfo appears. Marcello sees Mimi out, but she remains nearby. Rodolfo confides in Marcello that Mimi is gravely ill – she is suffering from consumption. Poor Mimi overhears everything. Rodolfo’s attempts to comfort her are in vain, and Mimi resolutely tells him that they must part.

Marcello and Musetta quarrel. Marcello reproaches his lover for her incorrigible flirtatiousness. Their argument leads to yet another separation.

Act Four. In the Garret

The same garret. Several months have passed. Marcello and Rodolfo once again try unsuccessfully to work. Both are longing for their beloveds.

Suddenly, an anxious Musetta appears. Mimi has come with her, but she is too weak to climb the stairs. Rodolfo hurries downstairs and brings the exhausted young woman into the room. It is still cold, and Musetta offers her earrings so that they can buy something for Mimi and summon a doctor.

Everyone leaves except Rodolfo. Mimi and Rodolfo recall their first meeting. They still love each other tenderly. But the sick young woman’s strength is fading. Despite Rodolfo’s desperate hopes, Mimi dies…