CARMEN | GEORGES BIZET

Opéra comique in 3 acts
Libretto by Henri Meilhac & Ludovic Halévy based on Prosper Mérimée's novel (1845).
First performed March 3rd 1875, Opéra Comique, Paris
Special Frankfurt edition, based on Michael Rot's edition, prepared by Constantinos Carydis
Spoken texts based on Henri Meilhac, Ludovic Halévy & Prosper Mérimée adapted by Barrie Kosky

Carmen turns José's life completely upside down, she dances, sings and defies adversities until she lies dead on the floor. Who or what drives this woman, in whom everyone seems to see a different person? Barry Kosky's 2016 Carmen enjoyed cult status from the word go. The director stages a breathtaking revue with dramatic depths and cheeky wit instead of clinging to the usual clichés and nostalgic folklore. By going back to the original version of the opera and using texts from the time when it was written, a completely new take on one of the most performed operas in international repertoire emerges — and an unforgettable evening.