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.

NIXON IN CHINA

In 1972, Richard Nixon visited Mao Zedong in China, marking the beginning of a rapprochement between the United States and China against the backdrop of the Cold War. Fifteen years later, American composer John Adams chose this episode as the subject of his first opera, a score marked by its rhythmic pulse, shimmering colours and intense lyricism.

The work entered the Paris Opera repertoire in 2023 in a production directed by Valentina Carrasco, who eschews realism in favour of the poetry of allegory and the magical, not without a touch of humour.

The common thread running through her dramaturgy is the metaphor of “ping‑pong diplomacy” – a reference to the first diplomatic overture through sport between China and the United States in 1971 – which combines with the metaphor of illusion to deliver spectacular images and a keen reflection on history and the vanity of power.  

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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.