If you happen to be near a cinema in June, you might catch the live screening of English National Opera's CARMEN which, on stage, runs for just fourteen performances over nine weeks at the Coliseum Theatre in London. Provided you are not late, you will witness my best effort at a marathon in the opening few minutes. I don't want to give key plot points away so I'll say no more.
Set during the dying days of Franco’s Spain, Calixto Bieito’s
acclaimed production is a visceral feast of sexuality, seething with sensual performances from Justina Gringyte playing the title role and the lovely Leigh Melrose as the charismatic toreador.
Bizet’s dazzling score evokes the atmosphere of Spain through some of opera’s most
famous melodies, from Carmen’s seductive ‘Habanera’ to the Toreadors’
stirring parade. Sir Richard Armstrong conducts.
