Enter the heart of the creation and discover the artists at work!
The Paris National Opera offers Arop members the privilege of observing the work of the artists and the genesis of a production at different times: work sessions, pre-dress rehearsals and dress rehearsals.

Falstaff

If Falstaff were an animal, he would be a peacock. He plays the beau in front of the Merry Wives of Windsor, convinced, despite his paunch and his age, that he holds them under his spell. He goes so far as to send the same love letter to Mrs Ford and her friend Meg. But beware the women’s revenge, as they will not rest until he repents.

“All the world’s a farce” is the moral of this bittersweet comedy inspired by Shakespeare. In bequeathing this final masterpiece at the age of 80, Verdi displayed his extraordinary vitality and astonishing modernity in his musical structure.

Dominique Pitoiset’s lively, effective staging shifts away from the Elizabethan era to set Falstaff in the bourgeois world of the early 20^th century, close to the era of the work’s composition. In so doing, he reveals what undoubtedly moved the composer in this complex but fascinating character: his profound humanity.  

Access requirements:

• Absolute discretion so that the artists do not feel the presence of an audience.
• It is forbidden to leave the room during the rehearsal.
• No photography or filming and no applause.
• In case of delay, entry are allowed only during the break.

Any person who does not respect these rules may be refused access to the rehearsals. Work sessions last approximately 3 hours with a 30-minute break for operas and 20 minutes for ballets.

Cancellation policy:

• These sessions may be interrupted or closed to the public at any time for technical or artistic reasons.
• If they are cancelled, the Arop cannot be held responsible for rescheduling your seat.
• In case of withdrawal, please inform us as soon as possible so that members on a waiting list can benefit from the available seats.
• Any cancellation on your part for a rehearsal (work session, pre-general and general), less than 2 working days before the date of the event, will be deducted from the number of places allocated per season.

Booking procedure:

The assignment of rehearsal seats is done by membership level: Founding Patron members have priority over Patron members, who have priority over Benefactor members, who have priority over Donor members, who have priority over Friend members.