Thomas Jolly's 'Romeo y Julieta' premieres at Teatro Real to boos

Thomas Jolly, director of the Paris 2024 Olympic opening and closing ceremonies, staged a new production of Charles Gounod's opera 'Roméo et Juliette' at Madrid's Teatro Real. The premiere on an unspecified date was met with boos from the audience. During a press conference via video link from the Cannes Festival, Jolly reflected on the challenge of retelling a universally known story and the enduring emotional power of the lovers' struggle. He noted a personal connection to the balcony scene, having performed it with his partner during COVID quarantine from their apartment's two balconies.