In Bizet’s famous opera, Carmen is the femme fatale you can’t forget

Don José’s jealousy is fierce. Escamillo’s passion is strong. In a gripping finale, Carmen must face her fate.

Carmen will play at the PIlbeam Theatre in July 2021 Photo Georges Antoni

Opera Australia will perform one of the world’s most loved operas, Bizet’s Carmen, at the Pilbeam Theatre in July.

Set in Seville in Franco’s socially conservative 1960s Spain, the opera follows the ill-fated relationship of a free spirited gypsy woman, Carmen, and the passionate and ultimately destructive police corporal-turned-rebel Don Jose.

She sings her sensual Habanera and lures Don José into her world. He gives up everything to follow her.

But Carmen’s wandering eye has already found a new lover: the dashing bullfighter Escamillo.

Don José’s jealousy is fierce. Escamillo’s passion is strong. In a gripping finale, Carmen must face her fate.

Theatregoers will experience the thrilling Spanish colour and rhythms of Bizet’s vibrant score with Opera Australia’s singers, live chamber orchestra and a children’s chorus drawn from the Central Queensland community.

They will hear classics such as the Habanera and the Toreador Song just as Bizet meant them — loud, live and completely unamplified.

Carmen is directed by Matthew Barclay who said this new production included gorgeous sets and vintage-inspired costumes.

“I’m really excited to create this production of Carmen, and aware that for some people it may be their first encounter with Bizet’s opera, and for that reason I really hope the production enables them to fall in love with the work,” he said.

“Carmen really has it all, some of opera’s greatest music and most famous tunes, Spanish flair, passion, tragedy and a truly enigmatic character in Carmen, but above all it’s about love.

“It’s the ideal way to showcase world-class opera on stages around Australia.”

• Carmen is sung in French with English surtitles.
• Carmen will be performed at the Pilbeam Theatre on Thursday 22 July at 7.30pm.
• Tickets are on sale now from the Pilbeam Theatre Box Office, phone [phone] and online at www.seeitlive.com.auAdults $52, Concession $48.
• PAY-YOUR-AGE: Patrons aged 26 years and under pay $1 per year of age.

Opera Australia’s Carmen is presented by Rockhampton Regional Council and is part of the 2021 See It Live Theatre Season.