La Bohème

The action takes place about 1830 in Paris.

Act I
In the Attic

Four friends live in the attic of a Paris house. They are young, cheerful and never lose heart. Living in poverty and cold, they dream of their future fame.

Christmas Eve. There’s neither firewood, nor a bit of bread in the house. The poet Rodolfo and painter Marcello make up their minds to warm themselves up throwing an unfinished manuscript into the fireplace. Philosopher Colline discusses the advantages of the burnt play with humour. There comes musician Shonar who was lucky to earn some money. Shonar persuades everyone to go out to the cafe “Monus” to celebrate the event.

Rodolfo is late because he has not finished his article. A stranger knocks at his door and asks to light the candle. The young people get acquainted. The name of a silk-needle-woman is Mimi; the poet falls in love with her. Rodolfo invites Mimi to the cafe to meet his friends.

Latin Quaters

In the cafe the young people are having fun to the fullest. A prominent couple enters the cafe. A well-known coquette Musetta is accompanied by a rich elderly man who eagerly satisfies her whims. Musetta enjoys being in the center of attention while the old Alcindoro doesn’t. Musetta notices her old friend Marcello. Once they were in close relations and their affection towards each other hasn’t yet disappeared. Musetta plays an eccentric scene: screaming as if in pain she takes her shoe off and makes her partner go to the shoemaker to get another pair for her. Left alone, Musetta joins Marcello’s company. Having put their expenses to Alcindoro’s bill, the friends leave the cafe.
Intermission

Act 2
At the Gate

In search of Marcello Mimi comes to a small tavern on the outskirts of Paris. She and Rodolfo had a quarrel and she wants to have a talk with his best friend. On seeing Rodolfo, Mimi hides and overhears an important talk. Rodolfo informs his friend about Mimi’s being seriously ill. She needs care, good living conditions, nourishing food but living with Rodolfo doesn’t do her any good. Hard consumptive cough gives Mimi out. She comes out of her shelter. The young people say good-bye to each other and decide to meet in the spring.
Intermission

Act 3In the Attic

Many years later. The old friends meet in the same attic where they used to have a happy life in their youth. Now they are comfortably off but, unfortunately, they haven’t become happier. Marcello and Rodolfo can’t forget their girl-friends. The girls became the wives of rich men. The friends drink champagne and start dancing. Mimi and Musetta enter the room at the height of merriment. Mimi feels feverish and, utterly exhausted, falls onto the bed. The friends hurry up to get the doctor and Rudolph stays with the girl. They remember the days of their happy youth with passion and sadness. Mimi falls asleep for good, with her chilly hands in the muff.