La bohème

Act I

Christmas Eve.

The writer Rodolfo and painter Marcello complain about their cold flat. For warmth they burn Rodolfo’s latest script. The philosopher Colline returns followed by the musician Schaunard, who brings supplies and money. Schaunard suggests they celebrate at the Café Momus. Benoit, their landlord, comes for the rent. He’s asked in and is plied with drink and encouraged to share his salacious exploits. In mock indignation and avoiding paying their rent they throw him out. The friends leave, but Rodolfo decides to stay and finish an article, promising he’ll meet them later. He is interrupted by a neighbour, Mimì, whose candle has gone out. He invites her in and she faints. When she revives, he relights her candle. Mimì has lost her key and, for a second time, her light goes out; Rodolfo snuffs his candle leaving them in darkness. Searching for her key, he touches her cold hand and offers to warm it. He tells her about his life and dreams; in turn she tells him of her solitary life sewing. They declare their love and leave for the Café Momus.

Act II

The Christmas streets are full of people. En route, Rodolfo buys Mimì a hat before introducing her to his friends. Full of banter they order dinner. Musetta, Marcello’s ex-lover, makes a grand entrance, followed by her wealthy benefactor Alcindoro. Marcello tries to ignore her but she gets his attention by singing of her own beauty and allure. The friends comment upon the deep feelings that still bind them. Complaining about her shoes, she sends Alcindoro to buy a new pair. Musetta and Marcello are reconciled. The friends escape the bill by joining a street parade, leaving Alcindoro to pay.

Act III

A few months later.

Mimì searches for Marcello, who has moved in with Musetta. She’s overcome with coughing when he arrives. He asks her inside but Rodolfo is there. She tells him Rodolfo walked out and is consumed by jealousy. She asks Marcello to help them separate. Hiding when Rodolfo appears, she overhears he wants to leave her. He can’t cope with her illness. Consumed with guilt he thinks her condition is due to his poverty. Hearing her cry, he rushes to her. Marcello, fearing trouble, goes to find Musetta.

Mimì and Rodolfo agree to part until spring.

Act IV

Marcello is living with Rodolfo. The girls’ absence is affecting their work. Their depression is broken when Schaunard and Colline bring home a meagre supper. Making the best of a bad situation, they make their own entertainment. As the fun gets unruly, Musetta bursts in. Mimì is with her and is dying. Rodolfo goes to help. Musetta tells them Mimì left her rich lover as she wanted to be brought back to die. Musetta, Marcello and Colline leave to sell their things to buy medicine. Mimì and Rodolfo reaffirm their love and reminisce about when they met. The friends return; Musetta gives Mimì something to keep her warm and prays.

Mimì dies peacefully, leaving Rodolfo grief-stricken.

© Lee Blakeley