In this “Opera for Educators” seminar—offered by LA Opera Connects—I’ll be talking about the role of production in creating new meanings of older works such as La traviata, Verdi’s most enduringly popular opera. LA Opera is presenting the work in a new production by director Shawna Lucey, who takes an explicitly feminist approach, grounding her interpretation in the historical realities of the French courtesan Marie Duplessis, who inspired the character of Violetta.

Other presenters will look explore the sources for La traviata‘s narrative, the world of courtesans in mid-19th-century Paris, and contemporary film adaptations such as Moulin Rouge and Pretty Woman.

LAO’s “Opera for Educators” seminars are held via Zoom and provide an exciting opportunity for K-12 teachers to earn LAUSD salary points and UCLA extension credit. Register on the Opera for Educator’s webpage.