The University of Washington is showing a free, live broadcast of Washington National Opera's edgy new production of Puccini's La Boheme at 11 a.m. Sunday, September 23,  in 120 Kane Hall.

The UW is one of 32 schools across the country presenting the live simulcast from the Opera House stage at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This event is anticipated to be the largest-ever simultaneous viewing of an opera in the world, with more than 45,000 expected viewers.

The free event will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

"What a wonderful way to draw younger audiences to opera with this innovative new production of La Boheme from Polish director Mariusz Trelinski!" said Placido Domingo, general director of Washington National Opera.

"With this initiative, Washington National Opera dramatically expands our pledge to bring opera to the nation and the next generation," said Kenneth Feinberg, president of Washington National Opera. "We are excited to use simulcast technology to give the gift of opera to the American public in a way that has never been done before."

Trelinski's La Boheme, from Teatr Wielki National Opera Warsaw, is a modern-day take on the timeless opera. Set in the present day, Rodolfo is a photographer and part of a contemporary group of artists searching for their identity and longing for a deeper and more profound connection with society. The opera is a human drama of loss and love, as the characters struggle with their careers and to truly connect with each other in a world that is increasingly connected technologically. As such, the opera's theme will resonate with younger audiences.