Opera in four acts by Georges Bizet · Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on the novella by Prosper Mérimée · A co-production with Theater Hagen · In French with German and English surtitles

“If you do not love me, I love you. And if I love you — beware.”

His love for the spirited smuggler Carmen draws the young officer Don José into a downward spiral of jealousy and loss of control, ultimately landing him in prison. Left alone with his thoughts, he looks back on what has happened, losing himself in memories of moments both passionate and painful. We see the fiery Carmen through his eyes and relive their story as Don José’s final hours slip away.

Director Greg Eldridge, known for his psychologically precise and visually striking productions — most recently The Lodger — takes Mérimée’s novella as his point of departure, following the story through Don José’s memories.

Bizet’s music is a dazzling display of rhythm, colour and emotion. Rousing choruses, iconic arias and Spanish flair have made Carmen one of the most beloved works in operatic history — while at its heart lies a disturbingly contemporary drama about freedom, love and violence.

CONTRIBUTORS

Yorgos Ziavras — Music Director / Conductor

Greg Eldridge — Stage Director

Stewart J. Charlesworth — Set, Costume & Video Design

Jo Meredith — Choreography

Ulrich Zippelius — Chorus Master, Oper Wuppertal

Julian Wolf — Chorus Master, Theater Hagen

Eva Caspari — OpernClub Kids & Youth

Laura Knoll — Dramaturgy

Xavier Hetherington, guest — Don José

Edith Grossman — Carmen

Zachary Wilson / Sono Yu* — Escamillo

Francesca Chiejina — Micaëla

Margaux de Valensart / Marianna Ortugno* — Frasquita

Rosamond Thomas* — Mercédès

Oliver Weidinger — Zuniga

Constantin Motei, guest / Sono Yu* — Dancaïro

Hanjun Kim, guest — Moralès

Sergio Augusto — Remendado

Opera Chorus of the Wuppertaler Bühnen

Theater Hagen Chorus

Sinfonieorchester Wuppertal