Carmen

Synopsis

The story of the gypsy girl Carmen whose love and passion switch from one man to another with tragic consequences. Probably the world's most famous opera and tunes. A Spanish story of love, treachery, passion and betrayal.

Our Review:

22 November 2012

Calixto Bieito has form; he’s long been seen as opera’s bad boy, with a string of excesses behind him.  ENO’s last production of Carmen, by the film director Sally Potter, was ample proof that Bizet’s masterwork is far from foolproof and many London operagoers have awaited Bieito’s 2010 Barcelona staging with anticipation. While by no means traditional, it’s a much more staid affair than earlier productions of Don Giovanni and A Masked Ball and all the better for it. 

What prevents the evening from being an all-out triumph are central performances that don't quite ignite but melt into an otherwise impressive ensemble.  Ruxandra Donose’s Carmen is stripped of the usual clichés – fiery coquettishness, sultry sensuality, pseudo-flamenco posturing – but has little else to replace them.  She acts subtly but it’s a character that doesn’t lend itself to subtlet...

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Latest User Review

Justin Chapman - 24 November 2012:

A stunning piece of music theatre that deserves to be seen, and heard. ENO at its best. ...

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