When you think of the opera Carmen, you think of bullfighters and Spanish dancing, right? Well in Opera Australia’s latest production of this timeless classic, being staged open air on Cockatoo Island, you couldn’t be further from the truth.
This is an edgy and dynamic production, with a set that echoes the Mad Max films and features motorbikes chases, gunfights and fireworks. Director Leisel Baddorek has created an incredible spectacle that brings Carmen into a contemporary frame with a distinctly rock and roll vibe.
International singers Carmen Topciu and Roberto Aronica are at the peak of their profession in the roles of Carmen and Don Jose, and with a setting that looks more like a junkyard than a bullring, Baddorek and set and costume designer Mark Thompson have created something really special. Thrown the tightly wound choreography of Shannon Burns into the mix and it is quite a show.
And tCockatoo Island itself is just as spectacular, from the views of the harbour at night to the industrial backdrop. There will be bars and restaurants open for show goers, so jump on a ferry and make a night of it.
Come for the music, come for the spectacle, come for Carmen.
FOR MORE INFO:
Carmen on Cockatoo Island
