Carmen by Jiří Bubeníček after Roland Petit, music by Bizet, de Falla, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and Bonolis

In this two-act ballet inspired by the same Prosper Mérimée novella on which the beloved Bizet opera is based, Jiří Bubeníček takes the fiery tale of Carmen from the page to the ballet stage. His version, hewing as closely as possible to the source novella, highlights the dramatic intensity of the story and offers a thrilling exploration of its themes of amorous passion and all-consuming jealousy. Bizet is just one of several composers whose work scores this modern adaptation, alongside that of Manuel de Falla, Isaac Albéniz, and Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, in brilliant arrangements by Gabriele Bonolis.

Against this Spanish-inflected soundtrack unfold the fates of our main protagonists, performed with grace and precision by Rebecca Bianchi (Carmen), Amar Ramasar (Don José), and Alesso Rezza (Lucas), accompanied by the corps de ballet of the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma in the Czech choreographer's supercharged vision. The dancers' modern moves contrast boldly with traditional costumes by Anna Biagiotti and Moorish architecture-inspired set design, which also features an equine surprise…

Photo © Yasuko Kageyama