RA Lates: A Summer's Night in Montmartre
Saturday 31 August 2019 7 - 11pm
Royal Academy of Arts
£25 – £75
Félix Vallotton
Experience the bohemian decadence of 1890s Paris at our end-of-summer party.
Think underground café societies, cabarets, can-can dancing, absinthe dens and palatial salons at this end-of-summer party at the RA, inspired by our exhibition, Félix Vallotton: Painter of Disquiet.
Montmartre in the 1890s – with its vibrant nightlife, costume balls, dance halls, café concerts, open air parties and street parades – was an artist's paradise, attracting an eclectic and bohemian crowd of painters, poets, musicians and writers.
Félix Vallotton was introduced to Parisian nightlife by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the charismatic artist and one of the scene's main celebrities. Toulouse-Lautrec made his name producing successful prints that depicted the 'demi-monde' or characters on the fringes of society, as well as his famous advertisements for the Moulin Rouge.
Throughout the 1890s, the print boom in Paris enabled the avant-garde to spread their ideas quickly and cheaply, while salonnieres presided over private, intellectual parties where relationships were forged and art was debated. The adoption of electricity in the new street lamps across the city gave Paris the nickname, 'the city of lights' – its streets and pavements glistened with creativity, excitement and vitality.
We invite you to go back in time to the bohemian suburb of Montmartre at this decadent RA Late. Celebrate Paris as a glorious place for pleasure, entertainment, artistic freedom and escape, during the gilded decade before the new century.
La fête au jardin
Outdoor concerts, dancing and entertainment from 7pm - 11pm
Step into the RA's Courtyard, transformed into a Parisian garden for the night. Taking inspiration from evenings at Moulin de la Galette, the Montmartre nightspot where Parisians would meet on summer nights for outdoor dancing and dining.
Live music and dance performances include:
Benoit Viellefon and his Orchestra
8pm and 9.30pm (sets last 1 hour) Inspired by bal populatire and guinguettes from the can-can to early 1900s jazz, plus some upbeat Hungarian waltzes.
Can-can dance routines
7.30pm, 9pm and 10.30pm
Take part in these impromptu dance classes with dancers Sophia Bebyck, Tori Bew, Lois Brookes, Charlotte Perry.
Windmill installation
Experience an immersive Montmartre-inspired windmill installation, peep inside where a story is revealed.
Created by artists Abby and Alice
Le Cinéma
Cocktails and film screenings from 8pm
Visit our pop-up cinema for screenings of silent film Moulin Rouge (1928) from 8pm.
Directed by Ewald André Dupont, starring Olga Tschechowa, Eve Gray and Jean Bradin.
It tells the story of the aristocrat who falls for Parysia, the alluring showgirl and star of the Moulin Rouge. An absurdist melodrama ensues, complete with high-octane car chases and glitzy Parisian party scenes.
Le Salon de Geneviève Straus
Immersive salon experience from 7pm - 10.30pm
The Jewish socialite, Geneviève Straus, presided over one of the most famous and sought-after salons in Paris, attracting an intellectual clientele of politicians, artists and writers. Typically, an evening would include private theatrical performances and recitals, musical performances and debate. It also launched the career of many artists, including Marcel Proust.
Then, in the wake of the Dreyfus Scandal when Jewish military captain, Alfred Dreyfus, was falsely accused of espionage, Straus’s living room morphed into the political headquarters of the pro-Dreyfus movement, challenging the antisemitic accusations held against the captain.
At this immersive experience produced by Wilson & Hart, we recreate the potent creativity, dynamic social networks and energetic debate of this bohemian, Parisian living room. Take part in artistic discussions and mingle with Straus’s notable guests.
And step into the immersive installation 'Behind Closed Doors' inspired by Félix Vallotton, created by artist Beatrice Morris.
Moulin Rouge
Drop-in life drawing class, 7.30 - 10.30pm
This spectacular, infamous dance hall opened in 1899 and offered a range of entertainments from circus troupes and clowns, to acrobats and tightrope walkers. The circus was considered a form of artistic expression in 19th-century Paris, offering inspiration for painters of the time.
At this theatrical life drawing class, Art Macabre invite you to draw contemporary circus acts that take inspiration from the Moulin Rouge's characters and performers, celebrating the physical spectacle and creativity of the circus.
Le Studio
Drop-in poster workshop
Throughout the 1890s, the print boom in Paris enabled the avant-garde to spread their ideas quickly and cheaply - while many artists experimented with new techniques in poster design.
At this drop-in workshop, we take inspiration from Félix Vallotton's depiction of Parisian nightlife and Henri de Toulouse Lautrec's infamous advertisements as you create your own poster art.
Produced by artist Gwen Ramsey
La Soirée
DJs and dancing from 9pm - 11pm
Visit our Parisian dancefloor, brought to life by The Gramophone Guy, who will DJ music from the era as well as early 20th century café-concert jazz.
Absinthe Den
Secret bar, open 7.30 - 10.30pm
DIscover a secret absinthe den in the depths of the Royal Academy, where you can sip cocktails and enter an immersive grotto to meet the Green Fairy.
Drag performances by Virgin Xtravaganzah
Le Cabaret du Chat Noir
Burlesque performances and workshops, 8pm - 10.30pm
Pull back the red velvet curtain and step inside Shotgun Carousel's beguiling world of wonder and delight as they present a feast of drag, burlesque and cabaret for your delectation.
Bejewelled starlets and show-stopping dancers brush shoulders with the Parisian elite where beauty, freedom, truth and passion prevail.
Join elegant showgirls, raucous burlesque and gender-twisting denizens of the night, alongside charming tricksters and dark mysterious figures at this epic show.
Burlesque and cabaret shows
Performances at 8.30 - 9.10pm and 9.50 - 10.30pm, acts include Rubyyy Jones, Charlie Bouquett and Molly Beth Morossa.
Workshops and walkabout performances
Between 8pm - 10.30pm
Produced by Shotgun Carousel
Food and drink
A selection of London's finest street food traders and pop-up bars will be available to purchase from all evening, across the Royal Academy site, these include:
Street Food
Quack n Mac – Duck confit burgers and mac n cheese
Carcass LDN – British rare breed beef
Grate Rosti – Alpine inspired rosti
Rupert's Street – Fresh vegan dishes
Jacques and Lilie – Traditional French bakery
Well Kneaded Food - Sourdough Pizza
Bars
The American Bar at Brasserie Zédel – Bespoke cocktails
Christabel's – Parisienne cocktails
Midsummer Nightcap – Absinthe bar
Fade and Wild - champagne and crémant
Dress code: Moulin Rouge performer, bohemian artiste or Belle Époque socialite
Take inspiration from the characters inhabiting Montmartre, who will you come as?
Moulin Rouge performer | Explore vintage circus looks, get inspired by theatrical showgirl headdresses, experiment with feathers, perfect a strong make-up look complete with glitter and sequins - so you're ready for your solo dance routine on the big elephant.
Bohemian Artiste | Think paint splattered dungarees, overalls and pinafores, as you debate whether to join the Nabis group. Carry a pen and paper for impromptu sketches.
Belle Époque socialite | Wearing the latest in the new Haute Couture fashions gaining popularity across Paris's wealthy neighbourhoods, think ruffles, elegant hats and smart suits for men. You spend your days perusing the confectionery aisle at the Bon Marche and your evenings discussing philosophy at the many literary salons.
Check out our pinterest board for inspiration.
Booking information
Includes:
– Access to all RA Lates curated entertainment, experiences, performances and activities.
– After-hours viewing of Félix Vallotton: Painter of Disquiet. Please note that queuing may be required if the exhibition reaches capacity.
Sold out
Includes:
– Access to all RA Lates curated entertainment, experiences, performances and activities.
– After-hours viewing of Félix Vallotton: Painter of Disquiet. Please note that queuing may be required if the exhibition reaches capacity.
Sold out
Includes:
– Access to all RA Lates curated entertainment, experiences, performances and activities.
– After-hours viewing of Félix Vallotton: Painter of Disquiet. Please note that queuing may be required if the exhibition reaches capacity.
Sold out
The VIP experience
Make your Saturday night extra-special with a VIP ticket, which includes:
- Complimentary glass of champagne and private tour of Félix Vallotton
- Access to a VIP-only cocktail bar with artist led activities and exclusive experiences.
- A goody bag of gifts from the RA
Sold Out