Synopsis
Listen to the synopsis
Who has never dreamed of eternal youth? In The Makropulos Case, the celebrated singer Emilia Marty is 337 years old yet appears 30 thanks to a life-extending elixir. As the effects of the potion begin to wane, the diva is desperate to obtain the formula that will allow her to retain her dazzling youth. Thus begins a race against time, the fatal outcome of which is death. At the crossroads between science fiction and philosophical debate, Czech composer Leos Janacek's penultimate opera is an incredibly modern work. Created in 1926, the score is astonishing for its mastery of the sung word, its harsh rhythms and intense expressivity. Conjuring up Hollywood mythology, be it Marilyn Monroe, King Kong or Gloria Swanson, director Krzysztof Warlikowski delivers a profound reflection on time and immortality.
Duration : 1h50 no interval
Language : Czech
Surtitle : French / English
Artists
Opera in three acts (1926)
Based on the homonymous comedy by Karel Čapek
Creative team
Cast
Paris Opera Orchestra and Chorus
Coproduction with the Teatro Real, Madrid
Media
Watch the production online on Paris Opera Play, featuring Karita Mattila, Pavel Černoch...
Access and services
Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille
75012 Paris
Public transport
Underground Bastille (lignes 1, 5 et 8), Gare de Lyon (RER)
Bus 29, 69, 76, 86, 87, 91, N01, N02, N11, N16
Calculate my routeImagined as benchmark, richly illustrated booklets, the programmes can be bought online, at the box offices, in our shops, and in the theatres hall on the evening of the performance.
BUY THE PROGRAM-
Cloakrooms
Free cloakrooms are at your disposal. The comprehensive list of prohibited items is available here.
-
Bars
Reservation of drinks and light refreshments for the intervals is possible online up to 24 hours prior to your visit, or at the bars before each performance.
-
Boutiques
A selection of works items are available on our various boutiques: Online store and The Opéra Bastille Shop.
-
Last-minute tickets
Special reduced rates for people under the age of 28, unemployed and seniors over 65 are available.
-
Parking
You can park your car at the Q-Park Opéra Bastille. It is located at 34 rue de Lyon, 75012 Paris.
In both our venues, discounted tickets are sold at the box offices from 30 minutes before the show:
- €35 tickets for under-28s, unemployed people (with documentary proof less than 3 months old) and senior citizens over 65 with non-taxable income (proof of tax exemption for the current year required)
- €70 tickets for senior citizens over 65
Get samples of the operas and ballets at the Paris Opera gift shops: programmes, books, recordings, and also stationery, jewellery, shirts, homeware and honey from Paris Opera.
Opéra Bastille
- Open 1h before performances and until performances end
- Get in from within the theatre’s public areas
- For more information: +33 1 40 01 17 82
Online
Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille
75012 Paris
Public transport
Underground Bastille (lignes 1, 5 et 8), Gare de Lyon (RER)
Bus 29, 69, 76, 86, 87, 91, N01, N02, N11, N16
Calculate my routeImagined as benchmark, richly illustrated booklets, the programmes can be bought online, at the box offices, in our shops, and in the theatres hall on the evening of the performance.
BUY THE PROGRAM-
Cloakrooms
Free cloakrooms are at your disposal. The comprehensive list of prohibited items is available here.
-
Bars
Reservation of drinks and light refreshments for the intervals is possible online up to 24 hours prior to your visit, or at the bars before each performance.
-
Boutiques
A selection of works items are available on our various boutiques: Online store and The Opéra Bastille Shop.
-
Last-minute tickets
Special reduced rates for people under the age of 28, unemployed and seniors over 65 are available.
-
Parking
You can park your car at the Q-Park Opéra Bastille. It is located at 34 rue de Lyon, 75012 Paris.
In both our venues, discounted tickets are sold at the box offices from 30 minutes before the show:
- €35 tickets for under-28s, unemployed people (with documentary proof less than 3 months old) and senior citizens over 65 with non-taxable income (proof of tax exemption for the current year required)
- €70 tickets for senior citizens over 65
Get samples of the operas and ballets at the Paris Opera gift shops: programmes, books, recordings, and also stationery, jewellery, shirts, homeware and honey from Paris Opera.
Opéra Bastille
- Open 1h before performances and until performances end
- Get in from within the theatre’s public areas
- For more information: +33 1 40 01 17 82
Online
Discover opera and ballet in another way
Dive into the Opera world and get insights on opera and pop culture or ballet and cinema. Scan this code to access all the quiz and blindtests on your mobile.
3 min
The Makropulos Case
The Makropulos Affair, the true/false story
Immortality and centuries-old feuds… Will you untangle this synopsis mystery? Let’s dive into Leoš Janáček’s opera, The Makropulos Affair.
Discover