Dialogues of the Carmelites at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

Directed by Olivier Py
Dialogues of the Carmelites at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

Show ended

French surtitled in English
Dialogues of the Carmelites at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Dialogues of the Carmelites at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Book now From 37€/person

Location

Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
15 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Capacity 1905 seats

Duration

2 h 15 min

With intermission


Details

Opera

For all audiences

In French with French and English surtitles


HIGHLIGHTS: LES DIALOGUES DES CARMÉLITES

Presented on the stage of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Dialogues des carmélites is an opera in three acts set in France during the French Revolution, featuring a libretto by the great French writer Georges Bernanos.

 

The work differs from other operas in its lack of a traditional hero and its focus on the complex psychology of the main group of characters. The opera tackles profound themes such as faith, fear, courage, and sacrifice with great sensitivity and profound humanity.
Poulenc's music is of rich beauty and intensity. It combines elements of sacred and modern music, creating an atmosphere that is both mystical and dramatic. The orchestration is expressive and colourful, and the melodies are poignant and unforgettable.

 

This production, directed by Olivier Py, opened on this very stage in 2013 and has been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike for its use of a reduced bare-bones set, precise and nuanced direction of the actors, intelligent use of light and sound, and deep fidelity to Poulenc's creative vision, both musically and dramatically.

 

The cast is exceptional, including Patricia Petibon as Mère Marie de l'Incarnation, Vannina Santoni as Blanche de la Force, Véronique Gens as Madame Lidoine, and Sophie Koch as Madame de Croissy.

 

We would also like to add that this opera is a major work of twentieth-century lyric art, but also that it offers a finale like no other… we won’t say any more! This is definitely a work that deserves to be experienced for itself. Chop, chop — the guillotine awaits…

SYNOPSIS OF LES DIALOGUES DES CARMÉLITES

Inspired by a true story, Dialogues des carmélites is set in France during the French Revolution and tells the story of Blanche de la Force, a beautiful young aristocrat who enters the Carmelite convent in Compiègne just before it is forced to close by the revolutionaries.

 

Faced with the threat of the guillotine, Blanche and her companions must choose between their faith and their lives. The opera examines the psychology of the Carmelite nuns, who were confronted with great acts of fear, courage, and sacrifice during these difficult hours.

 

Come and hear this poignant and ‘revolutionary’ opera, distinguished by its absence of conventional heroes, on the stage of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in a production that has become a benchmark for theatrical excellence.

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Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

15 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris

History and Fun Facts about the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

Hosting one of the most lavishing concert halls in all of Paris, Champs- Élysées is the true definition of architectural beauty with its historic foundation. Inaugurated on April 2nd, 1913, the structure is quite large comprising three auditoriums: Théâtre des Champs- Élysées, The Comédie des Champs- Élysées, Studio des Champs- Élysées, and a restaurant. The main theatre which has 1905 seats is Italian styled and originally constructed to host guests visiting the theatre to watch opera shows and concerts. This was the first theatre in Paris to be built completely from reinforced concrete instead of steel.

 

Over the years the famed theatre has hosted many recognized artists such as the beautiful cabaret dancer Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, and many other entertainers from our cherished olden day era. In 2005 the main room in the theatre was renovated in order to improve the acoustics, it is confirmed that during a show the sounds are very clear, almost as if you were up close to the stage. Théâtre des Champs- Élysées is one of the most frequently visited monuments in Paris, on an annual basis more than 300,000 people attend programs from contemporary dance and ballet recitals to orchestras, operas, and other concerts. Carrying a number of diverse performances of different genres, the theatre attracts audience members of all ages. 


Fast facts
Capacity: 1,905
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (paid service)

Theatre des Champs-Élysees ceiling ©Hartl Meyer
Theatre des Champs-Élysees stairs ©Hartl Meyer
Theatre des Champs-Élysees façade ©Hartl Meyer
Theatre des Champs-Élysees view from seats Wkimedia
Theatre des Champs-Élysees full house ©Hartl Meyer
Theatre des Champs-Élysees façade ©Hartl Meyer
Theatre des Champs-Élysées painted ceiling Wikimedia
Theatre des Champs-Élysées plan de salle seating plan

FAQ

How do I get to Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris?

The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is accessible by:
Metro: Line 1 (station Franklin D. Roosevelt), line 9 (station Franklin D. Roosevelt and Alma Marceau)
RER: Line C (station Pont de l’Alma)
Address: 15 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
In case of difficulty, our hotline can be reached during our business hours. Please see the footer of this page for our contact details.

What do I do when I get to Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?

We invite you to arrive 20 minutes before the beginning of Dialogue des carmélites at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, and present your voucher at the front desk. Théâtre des Champs-Élysées’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.
The auditorium doors close as soon as the performance begins. The first latecomers are placed in late boxes with a limited number of seats.
Those who arrive later will have to wait for the interval (if there is one), watching the broadcast of the performance on screens located around the perimeter of the Orchestra, in order to get back to their seats.

How long does Les Dialogue des carmélites at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées last?

Les Dialogue des carmélites at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées last approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with intermission.

Is Les Dialogues des Carmélites for an international audience or French speakers?

Both! The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for 30 years. The opera, Les Dialogues des Carmélites, is sung in its original French version. Surtitles are provided in both French and English so that international audiences can appreciate this opera in this incredible Parisian venue.

Can I choose my seat when booking?

No, unfortunately it is not possible to choose your seat when booking for Les Dialogue des carmélites. However, you can choose the category and we will allocate you the best seats in the chosen category!
Please note that tickets of the same category that are booked during the same purchase session, in the same booking order on our website are always assigned side by side. To be sure of this, make sure all of your tickets are in the same category and are included in your shopping cart at the time of purchase.
You can find the seating plan in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.
If there are no available adjacent seating arrangements, our customer service team will contact you before the booking is confirmed.

Where will I be seated, and will I see the surtitles* properly?

At Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, there are a maximum of four categories available for Elektra. The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées has an Italian-style auditorium, i.e. in the shape of a horseshoe. The surtitles are projected on both sides of the stage. Seats in categories 1, 2 and 3 give a good view of the stage and the surtitles. Category 4, on the other hand, offers reduced visibility.
You can find the seating plan in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.
*Surtitles (also called supertitles) are the theatre equivalent of subtitles. That’s because in French “sur” means “above”. At Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the text is projected on the sides of the auditorium.

Is there a dress code at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?

There is no specific dress code at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, but proper attire is appreciated. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in business casual or chic attire.