A new Traviata, live from Mannheim

Giuseppe Verdi creates a portrait of a society that tries to forget all its misery in the splendour of glittering parties. Violetta wants to break free, leave her past life behind and seek happiness with Alfredo. But the past casts its shadow over the desperate lovers. Verdi’s opera project was initially met with fierce criticism. It seemed too daring to bring a contemporary subject to the operatic stage with a courtesan at its centre. It was precisely these characters that inspired Verdi to create the musical and dramatic alchemy that makes La traviata one of the best loved works in the history of opera. Nationaltheater Mannheim offers OperaVision the first night of their new production live, brought to you by Slippedisc.  Director Luise Kautz tells the story through the psychology of the characters and examines how, in a world without natural order, the individual remains alone in the search for meaning. In the face of approaching death, Violetta, sung by Seunghee Kho, chooses a path away from collective stupor and asks herself what is worth living for.

Sung in Italian, with subtitles in German, Italian and English.

The Plot: exuberant, intoxicating parties, luxurious, unbridled living, sparkling champagne – and the tragic creep of terminal illness. This is the life of the Lady of the Camellias until great love unexpectedly enters her life. But can love really conquer all?

Broadcast live on Saturday  9th November 2024 at 1900 CET   /  1800  London /   1300 New York