“The other key feature of the set for both Acts II and III is a red banquette (upholstered bench along a wall) that revolves. Its revolving nature allows two different spaces to co-exist on the stage, creating a split screen effect. When it is at right angles to the front of stage, the audience can see the Parisians and children outside on the street and the friends inside the Café Momus at the same time.
The colour red also dominates the set of the café, and in fact features heavily throughout the design of the whole production, to highlight the passion and youthfulness of La bohème as a piece. It also adds a sense of festivity, as Acts I and II take place during the Christmas period.”