2025 / Cultural event / Rehearsal
20 May.

Work session: Manon

    Opéra Bastille

    19h30

Enter the heart of 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.



MANON


Let us love, laugh and sing without end”, proclaims Manon, even more attracted by jewels and the easy life than by her love – however sincere – for the Chevalier des Grieux. If this opera, inspired by Abbé Prévost’s novel, is one of Jules Massenet’s most popular, it is because the drama is portrayed in a musical idiom as fertile as it is varied...


Alternating recitatives, musical forms reminiscent of the 18th century and grand lyrical or virtuoso arias (“Manon, sphynx étonnant”, “Je marche sur tous les chemins”), the score renews the conventions of “opéra-comique”.


Beyond the story of a passionate love affair, the work paints a picture of Regency-era morals just as it reflects those of the Third Republic – the period of Manon’s creation. This society of pleasure, painstakingly concealing brutality and sordidness, is also the society of the Roaring Twenties, the setting for Vincent Huguet’s production.



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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."