Bohemianism

The term ‘bohemianism’ first appeared in the early nineteenth century and defines communities or individuals leading an unconventional lifestyle, one that goes against normal societal expectations. This is often expressed through free love, frugality, and simple living. In contrast, haute bohème ("Upper Bohemian") refers to a more economically privileged, sometimes even aristocratic, bohemian community. During the nineteenth century, it was usually linked to writers, artists, musicians, and journalists leading non-traditional lifestyles in various European cities. By the middle of the century, bohemianism had spread to America through immigration and it became associated with young, cultured journalists. Today, bohemianism still implies a lifestyle that does not abide by conventional rules or practices and is usually linked to artistic, literary, or musical pursuits. This guide will explore how the origins and early associations of bohemianism have been represented on stage in plays, musicals, and operas. It will then consider the modern ideology of bohemianism and look at how several shows have appropriated the concept.

Terminology

• Bohemia: The westernmost and largest historical region of the Czech Republic.
• Counter Culture: A way of life and set of attitudes opposed to or at variance with the prevailing social norm.
• Latin Quarter: An area of Paris on the South Bank of the River Seine (also known as the 5th Arrondissement).

Key Dates & Events

• 1845 - French novelist Henri Murger publishes Scènes de la vie de bohème, a collection of short stories.
• 1848 - William Makepeace Thackaray’s novel Vanity Fair is published.
• 1857 - A group of journalists and self-styled bohemians gather together in New York at Pfaff’s beer cellar for the first time.
• 1872 - The Bohemian Club is founded in San Francisco.
• 1876 - Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen opens at the Opéra-Comique in Paris
• 1894 - George du Maurier’s hugely successful novel Trilby is published.
• 1896 - Giacomo Puccini's opera La bohème premieres at the Teatro Regio in Turin.
• 1901 - French painter and caricaturist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec dies of alcoholism and syphilis, aged 36.
• 1996 - After a development workshop in 1993, Jonathan Larson’s musical Rent opens Off-Broadway. Tragically, Larson died suddenly and unexpectedly the night before its premiere.
• 2002 - We Will Rock You opens at the Dominion Theatre in London. With a book by comedian, Ben Elton, the musical is built around the music of the band Queen.
• 2018 - The musical adaptation of Moulin Rouge! opens at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston. Based on the hit 2001 film of the same name, it transfers to Broadway the following year.