Carmen Bizet
Archived: 2019/2020Overview
No man can resist the charms of opera’s ultimate seductress Carmen.
No man can resist the charms of opera’s ultimate seductress Carmen. Carefree and spirited she is determined to keep her independence, so when she enchants the soldier, Don José who sacrifices his old life for her, she is unprepared for the events that will evolve. Bored, she turns her attention to the handsome Escamillo, and Don José’s jealousy erupts into a thrilling finale.
Jo Davies’ new production, set in 1970s Central America, will bring all the passion and drama expected of this iconic opera. Bizet’s alluring music, from the famous Toreador Song to Carmen’s provocative Habanera, exposes the emotion of the characters to create a tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Sunday TimesDavies’s staging is a model of how to make an update of a classical masterpiece unpretentious and accessible, yet bursting with energy.
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Good to know
Sung in French, with English surtitles (and Welsh in Cardiff and Llandudno)
WNO provide audio description and touch tours at certain performances. See the venue and tickets tab for more information.
£5 when accompanied by a full price adult tickets (subject to availability)
Ages 16 – 29
Tickets for £10 (subject to availability). Not available on top two or bottom price tickets
Synopsis
Act one
Moralès and the other soldiers are eagerly awaiting the factory girls’ break. Zuniga and José soon arrive, just before Carmen, who throws a flower to José. José is amazed to encounter Micaëla, the girl who his mother hopes he will marry, who has come in search of him. Suddenly a fight breaks out, and José is sent to break it up. Carmen has attacked another woman. While Zuniga is gone, Carmen persuades José to escape.
Act two
José was sent to prison for helping Carmen escape but is now due for release. Zuniga and Carmen go to Lillas Pastia’s bar where Carmen is deeply impressed by the bullfighter Escamillo. Dancaïre and Remendado attempt to convince Frasquita, Mercédès and Carmen to help the favela militia with their gun-running operation. Carmen refuses as she is waiting for José. When he arrives, Carmen dances for him. José hears the call to arms and tries to tear himself away. Zuniga returns and in a fit of jealousy over Carmen, attacks José. Now unable to return to the army, José is forced to join with the favela gang lords.
INTERVAL
Act three
Carmen has tired of José and foresees that their affair will end in her death. Micaëla is looking for José but witnesses him fight with Escamillo. Carmen and the militia arrive and separate them. Escamillo invites them all to his next bullfight. Micaëla is discovered and begs José to visit his dying mother.
Act four
Carmen arrives for the bullfight on Escamillo’s arm. Mercédès and Frasquita warn her that they have seen José and tell her to be careful. He appears and begs her to come back to him. Carmen will not give up her freedom. As the crowd cheers for Escamillo, José murders her.