Anne-Louise Sarks is at the helm for a new production of Carmen that brings Bizet’s classic bang up to date. An intriguing lineup of talent is headed by Danielle de Niese as Carmen, alternating with Sian Sharp. Mexican-Spanish tenor Abraham Bretón shares the role of Don José with Diego Torre, Phillip Rhodes and Luke Gabbedy play the toreador Escamillo and Jennifer Black is Micaëla. Clelia Cafiero conducts.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Smuggler, seductress, risk-taker, rebel.

Who is this woman that turns every head?
When Carmen meets Don José, sparks fly. She won’t give up her freedom, and Don José won’t give up his girl. Their smouldering passion sets the stage for tragedy, but first, Bizet gives us an adrenaline-pumping ride through lust, jealousy and spectacle.

This visceral opera is thrilling from the moment the curtain rises and the orchestra races away with the overture. The music has it all: explosions of colour, tender love songs, sensual dances, massive choruses, and always, underneath, the beating pulse of danger.

One of Australia’s great theatre directors, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Anne-Louise Sarks offers a bold new production of the opera classic, leaning into the revolutionary heart of Bizet’s once groundbreaking opera. This is a Carmen for our time, asking urgent questions about opera’s iconic femme fatale, whose dance with destiny ends in disaster.