Nicholas Hytner to Direct Cuba-Set Adaptation of Bizet's CARMEN in 2016

The Daily Mail writes that Nicholas Hytner has zeroed in on his first big project following his departure from the National Theatre -- a new version of Bizet's CARMEN with book by Lucy Prebble. Hytner led an informal read through of the new adaptation last weekend, and the production is aiming for the West End in 2016.

Book writer Prebble (The Effect, ENRON) is moving the setting from Seville to Cuba.

CARMEN, written by composer Georges Bizet with libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halevy, is based on a novella of the same name by Prosper Merimee. The opera premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris in 1875 in a rather unsuccessful run; the work became a cultural phenomenon after Bizet's death.

In case you don't know the story, CARMEN follows Don José, a soldier seduced by a Gypsy and cigar factory worker named Carmen. After falling in love, José deserts the military and leaves behind his childhood sweetheart, only to lose her to the toreador Escamillo. Torn apart with jealousy, José kills Carmen.

A three-time Tony winner, Hytner has directed Miss Saigon, Carousel and One Man, Two Guvnors and War Horse in both the West End and on Broadway, as well as Broadway's Twelfth Night, Sweet Smell of Success and The History Boys, plus Collaborators in London.

Hytner will be helming Tom Stoppard's new play THE HARD PROBLEM as his last production for the National in January 2015. He is also directing the film adaptation of Alan Bennett's THE LADY IN THE VAN, starring Maggie Smith.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride