Bonsoir Monte-Carlo

Opera di Montecarlo, Monaco (MC) 2025
2025
Completed
Opera

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Josephine Baker’s passing; as part of Monaco’s National Day celebrations at Opera De Monte-Carlo

A tribute to Josephine Baker’s career On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of her passing

As part of Monaco’s National Day celebrations @opera_de_monte_carlo

Precisely 100 years ago, in September 1925, a 19-year old dancer and singer arrived at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris for the show that would make jazz popular in Europe and its protagonist a female icon: Josephine Baker.

Fifty years later, she had long become a French citizen, highly respected for her work in the resistance and the Forces françaises libres during the Second World War, a fashion icon and fighter for human rights. She managed to realise her utopian dream of creating a family of twelve children, adopted from different countries and social circumstances, even though this brought her financial ruin.

A show in Paris celebrating her 50 years on stage in April 1975 was attended by her close friend, Princess Grace of Monaco, a few days before Josephine Baker died, the Princess at her side. Josephine spent her last years in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and regularly appeared on stage in Monaco, where many places still pay her tribute.

Furthermore, although she made her symbolic entrance into the French Pantheon in 2021, her earthly remains still rest in Monaco.

Opening on Monaco’s National day, this is a new show commissioned by the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, which, 50 years after her demise, celebrates Josephine Baker through her unforgettable songs.

Director @davidelivermore
Set Design @gioforma
Videos @dwokvideo
Conductor @yvancassar
Librettist @_nicolasengel_
Choreography @erikarombaldoni
Deputy director @saxnicosia
Costumes @gianluca.falaschi
Lighting design Antonio Castro

Photo Marco Borelli

Performers in top hats crossing the stage before a Broadway street backdrop of neon signs, orchestra at the sides – Bonsoir Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2025 – stage design
Singer in a white feathered costume before a giant newspaper page reading Bienvenue aux Milandes – Bonsoir Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2025 – stage designPerformers at a bar counter in front of a gold Art Deco backdrop with arched panels – Bonsoir Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2025 – stage design
Dancer in a banana skirt on the steps before a gilded Eiffel Tower and sparkling lights, orchestra behind – Bonsoir Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2025 – stage design
Three singers before an illustrated backdrop of Bogotá with mountains, towers, a domed church and a vintage car – Bonsoir Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2025 – stage designNight street set with a red Stork Club awning, performers seated at tables and the orchestra in the haze – Bonsoir Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2025 – stage design
Dancers in top hats raising vintage suitcases against a painted sky backdrop – Bonsoir Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2025 – stage design
Projected portrait of a woman in a tiara and sash over a palace facade, conductor and orchestra below – Bonsoir Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2025 – stage designDancers in white fur costumes before a projected snowy city street with a polar bear and penguins – Bonsoir Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2025 – stage design
Conductor and orchestra flanking steps before a gold and black Art Deco set piece in blue haze – Bonsoir Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco, 2025 – stage design