OBSERVER: Carmen
Fancy a show that oozes with passion, romance and danger?
Then Opera Australia’s upcoming production of Bizet’s classic Carmen is for you.
Starring Australian soprano Danielle de Niese in a triumphant return to her home city from her usual performance venues which include the famous Met in New York.
De Niese will be playing the feisty title role in a new production of Carmen at the Regent Theatre.
Carmen is a passionate and tragic opera, and this new production raises thought-provoking questions about power, gender, violence and class.
The role of Carmen herself is regarded as one of opera’s most demanding roles, and de Niese’s talents are given full rein in her portrayal of this doomed femme fatale.
Born to Sri Lankan parents in Melbourne, de Niese began performing at the age of nine when she became the youngest contestant ever to win Young Talent Time.
At 16 she won an Emmy for presenting on TV program L.A. Kids and debuted at the Metropolitan Opera aged 19. She has since made her mark with innumerable internationally acclaimed performances across the world.
The cast of Carmen includes Mexican Spanish tenor Abraham Bretón in his Melbourne debut as Don José, sharing the role with Diego Torre.
Opera Australia principal mezzo Sian Sharp shares the role of Carmen with de Niese, both singers showcasing Carmen’s flirtation with rebellion and danger.
The ensemble cast includes Luke Gabbedy, Jennifer Black, Jane Ede, Angela Hogan, Richard Anderson, Phillip Rhodes, Alexander Hargreaves, Nathan Lay, Ruth Strutt and Virgilio Marino.
The production is a first for Melbourne Theatre Company artistic director Anne-Louise Sarks, who has created a contemporary, visually interesting director to Carmen.
See Carmen at the Regent Theatre from November 15 to 25, and bookings are through opera.org.au
Julie Houghton
Pictured: Danielle de Niese