Melbourne Opera kicks off its Puccini celebrations in this, the 100th year since his death, with a new production of the composer’s beloved romantic tragedy traditionally set in bohemian Paris.

Gifted theatre director Gary Abrahams returns to opera after an exciting debut with Melbourne Opera’s Lucrezia Borgia in 2022. Once again he engages the audience, firstly with a setting that seems less distant in time and place; his bohemians are in early 20th century Melbourne. Secondly, there’s a degree of naturalism unusual in opera, including moments of gentle humour and strong ensemble work.

Melbourne Opera’s La bohème. Photo © Robin Halls

Abrahams and the talented cast and designers refresh one of the most performed operas in the repertoire, in which cash-strapped creatives wrestle with the problem that love and art is not necessarily enough for happiness let alone survival.

Poet Rodolfo falls for seamstress Mimi, while his painter friend Marcello has a tempestuous relationship with Musetta. As disagreements mask devotion, the increasingly ill Mimi leaves penniless Rodolfo, but her fate is already sealed.

I attended the second performance of La bohème, for which an unwell Elena Xanthoudakis was replaced by cover Emily...