La traviata, the world's most popular opera, premiered in London in 1856, sparking controversy for its portrayal of a courtesan's life and death. The opera's scandalous heroine, Violetta Valéry, was based on real-life characters and events, including Marie Duplessis, a highly-prized courtesan.
La Traviata: Love, Death & Divas
The 1856 London premiere of La traviata generated controversy due to its portrayal of the seedy underbelly of Victorian society, highlighting the harsh realities of prostitution.
