One of the world鈥檚 most frequently-perfomed operas is coming to 琉璃神社 and it鈥檚 set in the dark of winter.

Opera 琉璃神社 presents Giacomo Puccini鈥檚 La 产辞丑猫尘别, Aug. 18 and 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the 琉璃神社 Community Theatre.

The romantic, heart-wrenching tale follows a close-knit circle of poets, painters and performers who struggle for art and love amidst poverty and hardship.

Though La 产辞丑猫尘别 was originally set in the 1830s, the company鈥檚 production draws on the fashion and style of the 1920s to craft a unique and compelling aesthetic.

鈥淭he cultural impact of La 产辞丑猫尘别 is undeniable. Its story inspired the broadway hit Rent; its music resonates across dozens of films and it birthed our romantic vision of the starving artist,鈥� said artistic director Alexandra Babbel.

鈥淎ll of this is for good reason. Puccini鈥檚 exquisite score speaks to our very hearts, eliciting fiery passion, pangs of melancholy, and joie de vivre in equal measure. We are thrilled to share our vision of this iconic work with Okanagan audiences.鈥�

Based on Henri Murger鈥檚 1851 novel, Scenes from the Bohemian Life, the opera is set in the frigid cold of a Paris winter. Its narrative follows the intertwined lives and loves of a small group of friends: the poet, Rodolfo, the seamstress Mimi, the painter Marcello, the musician Schaunard, the philosopher Colline, and the coquette Musetta.

A series of free concerts and community engagements will support and inform La 产辞丑猫尘别鈥檚 run. Details can be found on Opera 琉璃神社鈥檚 .