Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th February 2015
Le Grenat, Théâtre de l’Archipel, Perpignan
La Traviata
Opéra Nomade & Centre lyrique Clermont Auvergne
La traviata (The Fallen Woman) is Verdi’s tragic opera about a Parisian courtesan who sacrifices all for love
Based on La dame aux Camélias (1852), a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, the opera was originally entitled Violetta, after the main character and was first performed in 1853 at the La Fenice opera house in Venice.
La Traviata tells the story of Violetta Valéry, a beautiful French “Courtesan” mistress of a wealthy baron, who hosts a lavish party to celebrate her improved health after a bout with tuberculosis. There she meets Alfredo (Domingo) and becomes smitten with him.” Violetta leaves the baron, and she and Alfredo move into a secluded country villa together, where they live happily for a while. But unknown to Alfredo, his father (baritone Cornell MacNeil) convinces Violetta that continuing her relationship with Alfredo will prevent Alfredo’s sister from making a good marriage. With great sadness, Violetta decides that she must not only break permanently with Alfredo, she must keep him at a distance by returning to the baron. Misunderstanding her motives, Alfredo goes into a jealous rage that leads to tragic consequences.
| More info: Le Théâtre de l’Archipel Avenue Général Leclerc BP 90 327 – 66003 Perpignan cedex Tel : 04 68 62 62 00 Email : info@theatredelarchipel.org |
Le Théâtre de l’Archipel
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No – it’s a theatre!
By Henry Shaftoe
The Théâtre de l’Archipel has landed in Perpignan and its autumn/winter season is a real treat.
Looking somewhat like the leftovers from an abandoned space station, or the giant contents of a child’s toy box tipped on to a site by the river Têt, the Théâtre de l’Archipel is in fact a recent project by celebrity French architect Jean Nouvel.
Love or hate the exterior look of the place, the auditoria it contains are excellent and the shows put on there are of the highest international standard. The biggest auditorium in the complex is called “Le Grenat” (the maroon blob in the picture) and I admit it took me a while to realise that this is a blatant visual reference to Perpignan’s reputation as the centre of garnet jewellery-making.
This is one of the finest performing arts complexes in France, with a performance programme to match, so if you have not already checked it out, I urge you to do so. More information at www.theatredelarchipel.org or call in (between 12.00 and 18.30) for their free 100 page brochure.
By Courtney O’Brien-Brown
There is an exciting new addition to the Perpignan skyline. If you have been to Perpignan in the last few months you would have noticed a large construction along Avenue Général Leclerc and a giant concrete bubble. This bubble is now ‘the grenat,’ a large theatre space accommodating 1100 guests and the venue of the Théâtre de l’Archipel. Designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, the theatre will bring a touch of prestige to the previously rundown edge of the city.
The new theatre and cultural precinct is designed to be an artistic & cultural hub for the city. Welcoming local and international artists, it is hoped the precinct will encourage a spirit of multiculturalism and social tolerance.
There is something for everyone in the season line-up including theatre, dance, circus, opera, classical & contemporary music, as well as a special programme for children. Some of the artists performing include Eric Cantona, Thomas Dutronc and Yael Naim. Ticket prices range from 11€ to 40€.
For ticket and performance information you can visit the theatre website: www.theatredelarchipel.org Here you will be able to read more about “the grenat” and take a virtual tour of the site.
