A Midsummer Night's Dream - Opéra Bastille

Location

Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Capacity 2700 seats

Duration

2 hours and 5 minutes

With an intermission

Details

Ballet

Recommended for all ages

Without dialogue

Highlights: A Midsummer Night's Dream

This enchanting ballet is back at the Opéra Bastille in June and July 2022. The dancers of the Opéra de Paris breathe radiance into this work choreographed by George Balanchine in 1962, a piece inspired by Shakespeare's play of the same name and put to music by Mendelssohn. Balanchine's signature style – the extreme precision, incredible speed, and musicality of the footwork – is on full display in this two-act ballet. An ode to love and festivity, the dancers in this ballet shine in pas de deux and chorus pieces alike, bedecked in costumes and scenery by Christian Lacroix.

To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose from a selection of unique add-ons upon booking, such as a private cocktail, or a glass of champagne and exclusive access to the Salon Berlioz. See below for more details.

Story: A Midsummer Night's Dream

In a forest near Athens, Oberon king of the fairies and his queen Titania argue over a young page. Oberon, seeking to revenge his wife's stubbornness, sends the sprite Puck to pick a flower with aphrodisiacal powers. Oberon then comes across Helena, who loves Demetrius unrequitedly. Demetrius has been promised to Hermia, but Hermia is in love with Lysander. In an effort to lessen Helena's grief, Oberon suggests that Puck use his enchanted flower on her. But Puck confuses the different lovers, and instead Lysander falls madly in love with Helena! Amid all the mayhem, Puck finds himself transformed into a donkey, and, in yet another unfortunate mix-up, the queen Titania becomes enamoured with him! Oberon, seeing Puck's chaos, orders him to clean up his mess. At dawn, the lovers can't remember their wild night... or was it all a dream?

Add-Ons & Special Experiences

Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose one of the following upgrated offers at the time of booking:

Private Dinner Cocktail + Champagne + Programme + Show (6 pers. minimum)

This package includes an exclusive private lounge, an assortment of 25 appetisers per person, champagne, wines and soft drinks.

Private Cocktail + Champagne + Programme + Show (6 pers. minimum)

This package includes an exclusive private lounge, an assortment of 10 appetisers per person, champagne and soft drinks.

Champagne + Programme + Exclusive Access to Salon Berlioz + Show

This package is available even after standard sales for the opera are closed. It includes a glass of champagne, a show programme, and exclusive access to the Opéra Bastille's beautiful Salon Berlioz, reserved for primary ticket holders. A result of our official partnership with the Friends of Paris Opera Association, the package can only be purchased via the Theatre in Paris box office.

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Opéra Bastille

Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris

History and Fun Facts about the Opéra Bastille

Designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, the building was commissioned by French President François Mitterrand and inaugurated in 1989. For years, many had lamented the lack of a modern venue in Paris capable of welcoming modern concerts and performances with different acoustic approaches, and the flexibility that a modulable venue lends. A movement started in the 1960s called for a larger new venue in Paris that would appeal to the masses, a modern compliment to the elaborate Palais Garnier. Just over 100 years after the inauguration of the Palais Garnier, the demands finally won over the newly-elected President Mitterrand, who supported the project as the headliner among many modern works launched during his term. Selecting the popular Bastille neighbourhood for its ease of accessibility from Paris and the surrounding areas, the old Bastille Train Station was destroyed to make way for the construction of the new venue. The building was completed just in time for the bicentenary of the French Revolution.

The venue has undergone many changes in direction resulting from varying political affiliations, and has undergone major renovations since its construction to repair and to soundproof the entire structure. Unlike other auditorium designs, each and every seat at the Opéra Bastille guarantees an unrestricted view of the stage. With its white glass ceiling, crisp gray compliments, and black seating adorned with rich oak, the venue is an ode to modernity and simplistic design. From the exterior, made of blue granite from Brittany and blocks of glass, light is reflected from every corner of this angular venue.

Fast facts
Capacity: 2,745
Handicap Accessible: Yes – in order to guarantee access to specific locations, we ask that you make your reservation at least 15 days before the performance.
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

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opera-bastille-grande-salle--interior©patrick-tourneboeuf

opera-bastille©david-mark-pixabay-exterior

opera bastille plan de salle seating chart tickets billets paris

FAQ

How do I get to the Opéra Bastille?

The Opéra Bastille is accessible by the metro station Bastille (Lines 1, 5, and 8). Our hotline can be reached in case of difficulty finding the theatre weekdays from 10 am to 7pm Paris time. For details, we invite you to consult the map above.

What do I do when I get to the theatre?

We invite you to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of the show, and present your voucher at the front desk. The theatre's English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats. Please note that the performances at the Opéra Bastille begin precisely on time, and all late arrivals will not be permitted to enter the auditorium until intermission.

Does the venue have a specific dress code?

For Parisian operas and ballets, the dress tends to be a bit fancier than in other venues, so feel free to have a little fun and dress to impress. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in casual chic attire. Generally, elegant casual wear is required, jackets are recommended for men. Shorts, Bermuda shorts, flip-flops, sportswear and trainers are discouraged.

Is there a coat check available?

For Parisian operas and ballets, the dress tends to be a bit fancier than in other venues, so feel free to have a little fun and dress to impress. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in casual chic attire. Generally, elegant casual wear is required, jackets are recommended for men. Shorts, Bermuda shorts, flip-flops, sportswear and trainers are discouraged.

How long does the show last?

The ballet A Midsummer Night's Dream lasts 2 hours and 5 minutes including an interval.

Can I take photos of the performance?

In order not to disturb the artists on stage, and for the comfort of other guests, you are not permitted to photograph, film or record the performance for the duration of the show. As long as the performance is not currently in session, feel free to take a snapshot of the Opéra Bastille to remember your night out!

Is it mandatory to tip the ushers?

It is not mandatory to leave a tip. However, openers usually expect a small tip of between 2€ and 5€, which you can give when they escort you to your seat.

Covid-19 Information

Specific measures and obligations may apply to this show. Before making your reservation, please check the updated information on our Covid-19 page: https://www.theatreinparis.com/en/page/covid-19