"It Would Be a Blessing to Stage 'La bohème' Every Winter" ... The Youth in the Book Grows Deeper

[Financial News] Seoul Metropolitan Opera's hit production La bohème returns after two years. Produced and staged by Seoul Metropolitan Opera in 2024, La bohème was the only domestically produced performance to rank among the top 10 in the classical category of the Integrated Performing Arts Ticketing Network, demonstrating both artistic quality and broad appeal.
According to Seoul Metropolitan Opera on the 5th, this production, co-presented by Financial News and Seoul Metropolitan Opera, will feature soprano Hwang Su-mi, who played Mimi in the 2024 premiere, reprising her role. Soprano Hera Hyesang Park, who has performed on major opera stages around the world, will join the cast as a new Mimi. Sook Jung Um, who returns as director after leading the premiere, cited the work's inherent appeal and the production's high level of completion as reasons for its continued attention. She said, "It is rare in Korea to have the opportunity to create every element anew from the ground up, from the set and costumes to the lighting, video, and makeup."■ Youth Comes Alive When the "Giant Book" OpensGiacomo Puccini's La bohème is a four-act opera based on Henri Murger's novel Scenes of Bohemian Life. Set in Paris's 19th-century Latin Quarter on Christmas Eve, it portrays the love and friendship of poor young artists. The Broadway musical Rent also originated from this work.
The revival retains the giant book-shaped set that symbolized the 2024 production. Director Um interpreted La bohème as a story in which Puccini takes a page from his youth and reads it to the audience. Just as the original author projected his youth onto the poet Rodolfo, Puccini also infused the work with the experiences and melodies of his younger days. Even the curtain at the front of the stage was made to resemble a giant book, creating the image of the memories of young Parisians in the 19th century coming back to life whenever its pages opened.
She explained, "This time, rather than simply opening the book, I want to further develop the relationships among the performers and between the characters and the spaces." Respecting the power of the music and libretto rather than excessively twisting the original work is one of her principles. Director Um said, "I believe opera is 80 percent music," adding, "I think most about whether the directorial concept supports the music's flow and direction."
All the principal roles except Hwang Su-mi have changed for this production. In particular, the contrast between the two Mimis is drawing attention. After helping lead the success of the 2024 production, Hwang returns as a more mature Mimi. Director Um said, "Hwang Su-mi naturally embodies any role like an actress," adding, "Her voice is warm and elegant. She is the most beautiful Mimi we can imagine—highly expressive without exaggeration."
Hera Hyesang Park is taking on the role of Mimi for the first time in this production. Director Um said, "Hera Hyesang Park has a lot of flair and is a vocalist who knows what audiences like," adding, "Because her own rhythms and accents are so distinct, she will present a Mimi with powerful waves of energy."■ Why Youth from 100 Years Ago Still Resonates TodayThe work begins with the excitement of Christmas Eve. Rodolfo, who burns his own manuscript because he does not even have firewood for the stove, falls in love with his neighbor Mimi when she comes to relight her extinguished candle. Director Um said, "The strength of the work lies in capturing, like an essay, a story that can resonate whether it takes place 100 years ago or 100 years from now."
The work does not feel simply dark despite its tragic story because of the power of Puccini's music. She said, "Romantic music warmly envelops the painful reality," adding, "Through that music, audiences naturally draw closer to the characters' emotions."
Beginning with Act 3, the weight of reality becomes more pronounced. Director Um said, "I used to find the final scene, when Mimi dies and Rodolfo cries out, the saddest. Now, however, my heart begins to ache from the start of Act 3." Puccini was also reportedly said to have recalled, "I burst into tears alone in my studio," after completing the scene of Mimi's death.
She highlighted the relationships between the two different couples as a key point to watch. She said, "It will be more interesting to compare how Mimi and Rodolfo's love changes with how Marcello and Musetta overcome their difficulties in very different ways."
The scene Director Um is taking particular care with in this production is Act 2, which unfolds the streets of Paris on Christmas Eve. It is the most dazzling and dynamic scene in the work, with the chorus, principal performers, and crowd all appearing at once. The large puppets that received acclaim in 2024 will also return in a new form.
Director Um expressed her affection for and anticipation of the revival, saying, "Many people move around backstage, and there are numerous props and scene changes, so it requires a great deal of work. But it has now become a production I want to stage every year."
The performances will run from Nov. 5 to 8 at the Grand Theater of Sejong Center. Rodolfo will be played by tenors Konu Kim and Lee Won-jong. Sopranos Hyo Young Kim and Han Ye-won will perform the role of Musetta, while baritones Young Kwang Yoo and Leon Kim will play Marcello. Kim Gwang-hyun will conduct, with Korea Coop Orchestra, Winner Opera Choir, and Neulhaerang Little Singers Choir joining the production.

[email protected] Shin Jin-a Reporter