Living La Bohème, In Their Own Way

Text : Daniella Johnson, communications and public relations manager

Photos 1 and 2 : Matt Charland

Opera, whether a timeless classic or a bold new creation, always offers a fresh perspective on the world around us. But more than that, it has the power to transform us—mentally, physically, personally, and socially. The people featured on our posters know this transformation firsthand. Here’s a glimpse into one of their stories.

Molly-May, Dany-Daniel, and Emmanuel each embody the spirit of La Bohème in their own way. Not just because they’re young, but because, like Puccini’s characters, they live with intensity, outside the expectations that society often imposes. To dream, to struggle, to love, to question everything—at that age, everything feels bigger, rawer, more real. One might be tempted to think that youth is all about hope, innocence, and virtue. But in truth, it’s also a time of heartbreak, existential doubt, and family tensions. We’ve all been there. That shared experience is what brings us together.

Molly-May chose this bohemian life, embracing an alternative path grounded in creativity and community. She and her friends are multidisciplinary artists—sewing, puppetry, drawing, poetry. Groupe Paradoxe, a community-based and social economy organization that supports social and professional integration in the performing arts and event industries—and with whom we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating on several occasions—guided her through technical training in stagecraft. Today, Molly-May works as a set designer and technician for several artistic and event organizations.

And there’s more! Because youth, with all its fire and fragility, has always been at the heart of opera, both on stage and in the audience, the expressive and spontaneous doodles on our poster were hand-drawn by Molly-May’s friend, Emmanuel. He also created the hand-lettered title. These visual elements are lasting imprints of a youth that expresses and asserts itself by daring to speak up, take up space, and reshape the world through art.

Feel like diving into Puccini's magical world? For more information and to get your tickets to one of the shows in May, click here.

Screenshot from a video.