Watch ‘La Traviata’ on the big screen
Alliance Francaise de Bangkok will host a screening of the film version of Verdi’s celebrated opera “La Traviata” on January 26 with Italian with English subtitles.
Recorded at the Opera Bastille with the Paris Opera Orchestra and Chorus, the film directed by Benoit Jacquot adheres to the three acts delineated by Giuseppe Verdi.
Alfredo Germont falls in love with courtesan Violetta Valery at a party at her Paris salon. He is determined to cure her tuberculosis and they leave Paris for a contented life in the countryside. But Violetta’s happiness is destroyed when Alfredo’s father Giorgio pays her a visit.
Verdi based “La Traviata” on Alexandre Dumas’ novel and stage play “La Dame aux camelias”, which was in turn inspired by the life and death of actual Parisian courtesan Marie Duplessis.
Verdi offered a more complex and sympathetic portrayal of his heroine, highlighting Violetta’s noble nature and her devotion to Alfredo.
“La Traviata” is today the mostperformed opera in the world and the role of Violetta a favourite for many star sopranos.
Richard Eyre’s stunning naturalistic production contrasts the superficial glamour of 19thcentury Parisian high life with intimate scenes for Violetta with Alfredo and Giorgio, culminating in the heartbreaking final act.
Verdi’s sublime score contains some of his most inspired arias and duets, including Violetta’s introspective “Ah forse’ lui” and hedonistic “Sempre libera” and Alfredo and Violetta’s “Parigi, o cara”.
Tickets cost Bt200 (Bt100 for AF students and members) at the door.
