In 2012 was Madama Butterfly Opera Zuid's named the best Netherlands opera production of the year. That was partly due to the ' extremely attractive and effective staging (de Volkskrant) ' of the Flemish Director Franck Vergara. This great theatre-maker now lets his light shine on Verdi's La Traviata.
The opera plays during the Belle époque in Paris. The courtesan Violetta leads a happy existence with many parties and constant attention of varying lovers. Her life changes on battle, if they recognize her true love in Alfredo. It is mutual. Alfredo's father finds Violetta only no good party for his son. He forces her to break off the relationship. Alfredo is unaware of the intervention of his father and becomes bitter. As Violetta is dying, he hears the true extent and the two lovers are reunited.
The story inspired Verdi to one of his most moving operas. The sensitive character of Violetta and the seemingly airy Parisian environment he knew in his delicate touch music. Various parts from La Traviata are among the best known classics from the opera repertoire. For example, the drinking song Libiamo.