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Set in current-day New York, this filmed opera reimagines La bohème by glorifying rooftops, mattresses, and the grungy, sexy, dirty world of being in your early twenties in the city that never sleeps. This work focuses specifically on Asian, Asian-American, and BIPOC youth and their experiences, creating a poignant subplot of immigration, assimilation, and racism.
This film embraces the current pandemic as an opportunity to set Mimì’s illness and poverty in a context that is relatable and timely. It also notes the prejudice surrounding Asians and Asian Americans as a result of this global crisis. Visually, it was shot in real locations but romanticized with animation. The story will transport you from apartments and lofts to the beautiful dreams and imaginations of the characters with animated metaphors that work to enact Puccini’s theatrics symbolically. This La bohème defies stereotypes, subverts tropes, and boasts a diverse cast while leaning on America’s greatest Asian singers.
La bohème: A film by Laine Rettmer is a co-production of More Than Musical, Opera Columbus, Opera Omaha, and Tri-Cities Opera.
Approximately 90 minutes.
Performed in Italian with English subtitles.
Streaming online.
Our online stream of La bohème will be available to watch on OperaBox.tv. Once you purchase a ticket, you will have seven days to watch. Be sure to use promo code TCOboheme for a 10% discount!
Drag Queen, Jasmine Rice LaBeija
Entourage, Nate White
Drag Queen, Bruno Baker
Director of Photography, Alice Millar
Costume Designer, Teresa Logan
Lighting Designer, Rome Petersson
Editor and VFX Coordinator, Andrea Merxk
Post Production Sound, Mike Flannery
Aerial Cinematography, Georgi Tushev
Associate Director and Animator, Nouzhou Wang
Associate Director and Dramaturg, Bruno Baker
Associate Director and Digital Imaging Technician, Charlie Dennis
Production Coordinator, Cynthia Hennon Marino
Set, Sound, and Location Production Assistant, Danielle Ranno
Production Assistant, Ashley Rose
MTM Creative Director, Julia Noulin-Mérat
May 26 & 27, 2021
315 Clinton Street
Binghamton, New York 13905
Phone: (607) 729-3444
Box Office: (607) 772-0400
We recognize the indigenous peoples whose land Tri-Cities Opera’s facilities were built on. This land has been sustainably stewarded throughout generations by Haudenosaunee and Algonkian speaking peoples. We honor and respect the enduring relationship that exists between these peoples and nations and this land.
Tri-Cities Opera is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Productions are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature. General Operating Support is provided to Tri-Cities Opera by grants from the Conrad and Virginia Klee Foundation, the United Cultural Fund of the Broome County Arts Council, and the Community Foundation for South Central New York.
