Puccini's Tosca at the Opéra Bastille: A lyrical drama of love and power

At the Bastille Opera, Giacomo Puccini's Tosca returns in a production directed by Pierre Audi from March 12 to April 18, 2026. This iconic opera delves into a gripping moral dilemma set against the political upheaval in Rome in 1800.

Blackmail, absolute power, and a forbidden passion... Tosca, an opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini, will be staged at Opéra Bastille from March 12 to April 18, 2026. Premiering in Rome in 1900, this iconic masterpiece of the operatic repertoire is brought to life here through the direction of Pierre Audi. The story unfolds in Rome in 1800 and revolves around the singer Floria Tosca, who finds herself torn between moral and political dilemmas as her lover, the painter Mario Cavaradossi, faces peril from police chief Scarpia. Filled with passion, abuse of power, and turbulent politics, Tosca is presented with tight dramaturgy, where every choice has irreversible consequences.

Inspired by a play by Victorien Sardou, the libretto of Tosca is rooted in a tense storyline characterized by the clash between republican ideals and the monarchic authority supported by the Church. Giacomo Puccini crafts a score where tension is felt from the very first notes, emphasizing a rich and expressive orchestral writing. The opera navigates between intimate scenes and moments of confrontation, placing emotional depth at the core—particularly through the arias that have become signature elements of the work.

Tosca : l'opéra de Puccini à l'Opéra Bastille — ©Vincent Pontet/Opéra national de Paris

A production dominated by themes of power

Directed by Pierre Audi, whose interpretation is already familiar to Parisian audiences, the production features a set design dominated by a towering cross. This striking visual element frames the stage and serves as a constant reminder of the pervasive influence of the church in the characters’ lives. The church is depicted as a force closely intertwined with political power, contributing to the oppression faced by individuals. This scenographic choice emphasizes a symbolic reading of the story, without altering its original narrative framework.

Staying true to tradition, this production at Opéra Bastille emphasizes clear storytelling and highlights the historical and political themes woven throughout Puccini’s opera.