Faust at Opéra Bastille

Directed by Tobias Kratzer
Faust by Charles Gounod at the Opera Bastille in Paris 2024, Opera
Opéra Bastille

Show ended

French surtitled in English
Faust by Charles Gounod at the Opera Bastille in Paris 2024, Opera
Faust at Opéra Bastille
Book now From 200€/person

Location

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

Duration

3 h 50 min

With intermission


Details

Opera

For all audiences

In French with English and French surtitles


HIGHLIGHTS: FAUST

Opera-lovers, rejoice! If you’re in search of a French opera as famous as the likes of Carmen, then you need look no further. One of history’s finest classical composers, Charles Gounod, presents to you the incomparable Faust — an operatic sensation in five acts, following a libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré.

 

This production takes its story from the famous legend, wherein a scholar sells his soul to the devil in exchange for eternal youth and earthly pleasure. First performed in 1859 at the Paris Opera, Faust remains one of the most popular French operas in the repertoire, beloved amongst many for its haunting melodies. Faust’s aria “Salut! Demeure chaste et pure” constitutes a declaration of the titular protagonist’s love for the object of his affections, Marguerite, who later joins him in a passionate duet “Ô nuit d'amour” and performs her own aria known as the “Air des bijoux” - an incredibly complex and astonishing solo that requires amazingly high notes. Beautiful ensembles and powerful choruses, such as the “March of the Soldiers” and the “Drinkers’ Chorus”, imbue this work with even more lyrical excellence.

 

There will be no shortage of talent upon the stage of the Opéra Bastille — the Samoan Islands’ stand-out tenor Pene Pati plays the titular role of Faust. Basses Alex Esposito and John Relyea will be assuming the character of the terrifying Mephistopheles, whereas the role of Marguerite — which demands impeccable vocal control and the replication of incredibly high notes — will be undertaken by Amina Edris. Stage director Tobias Kratzer ensures the full potential of these exceptional talents is realised…an operatic experience of epic proportions awaits!

 

 

See details for our premium option below!

PREMIUM OPTION AND EXPERIENCE at Opéra Bastille

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

 

Champagne + Programme + Exclusive Access to Salon Berlioz + Show
Indulge in the premium opera experience! Elevate your evening with our exclusive package, available even after standard ticket sales have closed. With this premium option, relish a glass of champagne, receive a show program, and enjoy privileged access to the Opéra Bastille's Salon Berlioz — an intimate space reserved for our premium guests.

 

Please note, this special package is exclusively offered through the Theatre in Paris box office, thanks to our official partnership with the Friends of Paris Opera Association. Don't miss the chance to make your opera night truly exceptional.

SYNOPSIS OF FAUST

Who wants to flirt with the devil and sell their soul for eternal youth?

 

In Faust, Gounod reworks Goethe’s epic legend with incredible insight. An ageing scholar makes a pact with the devil, Mephistopheles, in a desperate pursuit to retain his youth and the love of his darling Marguerite. Caught in the throes of an ultimately tragic romance, the narrative culminates with Marguerite's eventual ruin, and in her despair she commits an act of shocking severity. Murder, salvation, and divine intervention are all on the cards in this adaptation by Tobias Kratzer, who transposes this timeless story onto modern-day Paris. His production’s unique scenography leaps from hyperrealism to fantasy with admirable ease, as Gounod’s attention to the romance within this classic tragedy is replicated and paid justice to in this contemporary production.

 

A central theme that remains a poignant talking point in our society, the culture’s obsession with eternal youth is dissected with outstanding depth in this piece that has evidently stood the test of time. Discover or rediscover an opera that will stay with you long after you leave the theatre, accompanied by the scintillating score of the talented Gounod and complete with the stunning atmosphere of the Opéra Bastille. What’s not to love?

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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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FAQ

How do I get to Opéra Bastille in the 12th arrondissement of Paris ?

The Opéra Bastille is accessible by:
Metro: Line 1 (station Bastille), line 5 (station Bastille), line 8 (station Bastille)
RER: Line A (station Gare de Lyon)
Address: 120 rue de Lyon, 75012 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 Opéra Bastille?

We invite you to arrive 45 minutes before the beginning of Faust, and present your voucher at the front desk. Opéra Bastille’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.
The concert hall’s doors close 15 minutes after the start of the performance and reopen at intermission if the performance includes one.
If you arrive within 15 minutes after the start of the performance, you will not be allowed to enter the opera house and will be directed to an area with a television where you can watch the first part of the show. You will be able to return to your seats during the intermission if the performance includes one.

How long does the opera, Faust, last?

The opera Faust at Opéra Bastille lasts approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes, with intermission.

Is Faust for an international audience or French speakers?

Both! The Opéra Bastille has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for many years. The opera, Faust, 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.

Is it a show for travellers or French people?

Both! The Opéra Bastille has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for many years. The opera, Faust, 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.

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

At Opéra Bastille, each category provides a comfortable view of the surtitles. The surtitles are projected above and on the sides of the stage. Our Premium tickets offer the best view of the stage and surtitles.
*Surtitles (also called supertitles) are the theatre equivalent of subtitles. That’s because in French “sur” means “above”.

Is there a dress code at Opéra Bastille?

There is no specific dress code at Opéra Bastille, but proper attire is appreciated. Feel free to dress to impress and reflect the fabulous contemporary architecture at Opéra Bastille!

Can I choose my seat when booking?

No, unfortunately it is not possible to choose your seat when booking for Faust. 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.
If there are no available adjacent seating arrangements, our customer service team will contact you before the booking is confirmed.

 

At the Paris Opera, the seats are assigned in odd numbers or even numbers. Therefore, if your tickets are consecutive odd numbers or even numbers (For example: 1, 3, 5,...), they will be adjacent.

 

You can find the seating plan in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.

What is included with my premium ticket at Opéra Bastille?

The Premium tickets are our most exclusive package and include seating in category Optima, the best category in the house, a programme of the show, a glass of champagne, and exclusive access to the magnificent Salon Berlioz.

 

Your programme: At the Opéra Bastille, you may pick your programme in the main shop as well as at the programme stands located at the main entrance, on the 2nd and 4th floors.
Your glass of champagne: You can choose to enjoy your glass of champagne before the performance or during intermission. Champagne will be available at public bars or in the exclusive Salon Berlioz. The Salon is located on the 1st floor, at the right of the entrance to the Opéra Bastille. It is accessible by elevator or by stairs.