Oedipe - Opéra Bastille - Theatre In Paris

Location

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

Duration

3 hours and 15 minutes

1 intermission

Details

Opera

Recommended for all ages

In French with English & French subtitles

Highlights: Oedipe

Œdipe is the only opera by Romanian composer George Enesco. Taking him no less than 30 years to compose, the result is a true masterpiece.

Though the work has not often graced the stages of the world since its creation, Œdipe was met with delight during its première at the Paris Opera. Its unparalleled originality offers a testament to Enesco's life: the influence of his Balkan origins, his studies with composer Gabriel Fauré and his friendship with greats like Maurice Ravel all leave their mark on this distinctive opera.
Like a painter, Enesco colours his orchestral and vocal score with a palette of leitmotifs and tumultuous emotion. They blend poignantly to tell the tale of the tragic fate of Oedipus Rex.
French-Canadian director Wajdi Mouawad has risen to the task of staging the Greek hero’s rise and fall, brought to life through the vocals of Laurent Naouri, Christopher Maltman and John Tomlinson.

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: Oedipe

Enesco’s opera is based on the myth of King Oedipus, as retold in the tragedy by Sophocles, Oedipus Rex. In the royal palace of Thebes, King Laius and Queen Jocasta celebrate the birth of their son. But an oracle soon puts an end to their joy with a terrible prediction: their son will one day murder his father and marry his mother. In rage and disgust, the King orders for his child to be abandoned.

20 years later, the child, now called Oedipus, has been taken in and raised by the King and Queen of Corinth. Aware of the prophecy surrounding him and determined to avoid his fate, Oedipus flees the city and the couple he thinks of as his parents. While on the run, he encounters an old man in a chariot and, after a heated argument, Oedipus slays him. Little does Oedipus know that this man was his father.

Upon arrival in a terrorised Thebes, Oedipus manages to solve the riddle of the Sphinx and liberates the city. The Thebans joyfully proclaim him king and offer him the hand of Queen Jocasta as a reward for his efforts.

Flash forward another 20 years and Thebes is once again in turmoil: this time ravaged by a deadly plague. King Oedipus learns that the only way to save his city is by avenging the murder of Laius. Only then does he realise that the old prophecy has been fulfilled: he is the murderer and, horrified by his fate, Oedipus must flee again.

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.

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

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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 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.

Where will I be seated and will I see the subtitles clearly?

There are a maximum of four categories available, each of which provides a comfortable view of the subtitles. The subtitles are projected above and on the sides of the stage.

Is it a show for travellers or French people?

Both! The Opéra Bastille has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for 30 years. This legendary opera performance is sung in French, and subtitles in both French and English are provided for audiences to appreciate in one of France’s most iconic venues.

What do I do when I get to the theatre?

We invite you to arrive 20 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 opera Oedipe lasts 3 hours and 15 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!