Carmen – Melbourne Opera

 Carmen is one of the  most often performed operas of all time and watching the latest production from Melbourne Opera, it’s easy to see why – it has such a great story matched equally with great music.

 Presented by Melbourne OperaVenue: The Anthenaum Theatre, 188 Collins St Melbourne Thursday , 27 October 2011
Carmen is one of the  most often performed operas of all time and watching the latest production from Melbourne Opera, it’s easy to see why – it has such a great story matched equally with great music. The story follows the love affair of two very different characters. Carmen is a carefree gypsy, fatalistic and bold; Don Jose is a soldier, who is strict with himself and bound by duty. Upon falling for Carmen, Don Jose follows her into the vagabond life but finds only jealousy and frustration. When the famous bull fighter Escamillo arrives on the scene, there’s obvious tension and subsequently, tragedy.
When originally performed, Carmen the Opera was part of the Operatic Comique, but mid way into Act III it’s easy to see that comedy was not what Bizet had solely intended. It takes quite a dramatic turn in the second half. I felt that Melbourne Opera got the tragedy part, but the first half lacked some of the opposing subtle elements required in the piece.  
Carmen is a very complicated and interesting character. A difficult role and Tania Ferris was very strong, both in her treatment of the character and in voice – not always easy to do dancing on table tops with castanets. Opposite her was David Rogers-Smith playing Don Jose. Rogers-Smith warmed into the role and by Act III had relaxed into adapting a troubled outlaw swagger.  
There are some great minor roles as well, Michael Lapina as Remendado was a stand out for me. His energy was apparent from the moment he stepped out onto the stage. James Payne in his various roles and John Fernon playing the Lieutenant added some of the comedic elements.  
Directed by Hugh Halliday, there were some interesting choices in this production. The tavern scene in Act II felt slightly awkward at the beginning, but I attribute this to the dancing, which only seemed natural when the orchestra played solid time near the end of the scene.  
The costume design needs a mention, it really added colour and Spanish flavour to a rather bare set design. The lighting in the final scene was amazing, illuminating Carmen and Don Jose in dramatic blood red, it did however make me wonder where the great lighting had been up until that point.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Carmen overall, such a wonderful piece exploring the timeless issues of love versus lust. The Melbourne Opera company do a great job and you’ll come out humming. 

Until November 26th 2011 Bookings: www.melbourneopera.com