La traviata 101 – The Drama Behind the Curtain

La traviata is one of the most famous and performed operas in the world. But what is it about this opera that leaves audiences wanting more? Here, we break down three reasons why this story of “star crossed lovers” continues to capture hearts time and time again.

Performances of La traviata will take place on November 1, 4, 7, and 9. Subscriptions are on sale now for the 2025-26 Season, with single tickets going on sale August 4. Subscribe today and get 20% off the single ticket pricing, or keep an eye out for single tickets!

1. Violetta: the Unexpected Hero

This fascinating opera is not only centered around a female character, but also around her experience with love as a high-society courtesan. At the time this was written, and even in today’s context, it is unexpected for a sex worker to be the main character, let alone the central hero. We sympathize with her immediately when we see she’s ill within the first scene of the opera. Even though Violetta dies in the end, it’s hard not to feel moved by the fact that she gets to love and be loved in return by someone.

What makes it so easy for audiences to root for a character like Violetta? Effective storytelling. With only one plot line to follow, La traviata is refreshingly simple, considering how many operas can be so complex. La traviata is about two lovers who are pushed apart by societal pressures and health issues. Verdi’s music supports the drama perfectly, helping you follow along. Look out for this example in act three’s “Addio, del passato”, as Violetta’s melody is confined with dramatic leaps that are present only when she’s crying out in sorrow. Verdi includes musical motives that evoke weeping so that the artist can deliver a truly devastating, emotional performance.

2. This is a Real Story with Real(ish) People

La traviata may be a mainstay of opera today, but it was also radical for its time. Instead of an opera about a Greek myth, fairytale, or historical event, Verdi chose to write an opera with a contemporary setting and realistic plot. Realism is incorporated into La traviata as it’s based on La Dame aux Camélias, a book and play written by Alexandre Dumas fils, which was inspired by the death of his mistress. Violetta and Alfredo’s issues are not farfetched. There’s no magic, divine power, or anything else that affects the fate of the lovers. Violetta’s struggle for true love is much closer to reality than operas with Greek gods or Queens of the Night.

For a long time, many operas served as an escape from societal problems, while La traviata forced audiences to confront less savory elements of their everyday life, like heartbreak, disease, and sex work. The themes of La traviata made it radical, and even more so, Verdi’s desire for it to be set in present day pushed the limits—so much so that opera houses would not honor Verdi’s wish until after his death. Until the 1900s, La traviata was set in the eighteenth century, which distanced the audience from the plot and current day. Even now, La traviata is most commonly set in the nineteenth century, honoring Verdi’s intention, while still keeping the issues safely in the past.

3. This Opera was an Underdog

It may surprise you to learn that one of the most famous operas of all time was initially a failure, and we nearly lost La traviata. Verdi almost gave up on it because of how unsuccessful it was at the première. Audiences felt that the original cast was not “in their prime,” and Verdi agreed that they did not do the roles justice, especially the three leads (Violetta, Alfredo, and Germont). There were a few opera companies eager to give La traviata a second chance, but Verdi was extremely hesitant. It’s clear that Verdi knew the opera had massive potential, which the première threatened, and he did not want to make the same mistake. Once Verdi found what he felt was a suitable cast and made some revisions, La traviata returned to the stage, and suddenly, the reviews were raving! That said, it wasn’t just the cast that helped La traviata make such an amazing comeback—above all else, it was the music.

The power of Verdi’s music in La traviata is a huge part of why neither Verdi nor audiences were ready to give up on it. In fact, the first act of the opera was the most popular part of its opening night, precisely because of Verdi’s music. In the first scene of the opera, the audience is roused with the famous, joyous “Brindisi,” a drinking song led by Alfredo and Violetta. It’s easy to get swept away in the music of the “Brindisi,” as the chorus joins Alfredo and Violetta in this catchy, vibrant melody. Soon after, Violetta performs “Sempre libera,” a daring coloratura aria embodying her determination and freedom. With all of this excellent music in the first act, it’s no wonder that it survived so that we could keep coming back. Enjoy this video of Nadine Sierra performing “Sempre libera” in Teatro La Fenice, where La traviata had its world première.

Are you ready to see the opera live?

Even though this opera is one of the most performed in the world, each production is special in its own way. Every production around the world is done a little bit differently, so regardless of familiarity, it’s so exciting to attend a variety of productions to see each instance of this timeless tale. Audiences can continuously experience the magic of La traviata in different and innovative ways by seeing different productions, which is all the more reason to attend Opera Colorado’s production of La traviata this fall!

Experience this tale of love and loss this November 1, 4, 7, and 9. Subscriptions are on sale now, and allow you to see both La traviata and Madama Butterfly for 20% off single ticket pricing.

Single tickets to La traviata go on sale August 4.

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Let us know what you’re looking forward to seeing on stage in La traviata in the comments below!