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Review: CARMEN at Polish National Opera

There is no opera quite like Carmen!

By: Nov. 03, 2024
Review: CARMEN at Polish National Opera  Image
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This tale of love, passion, and obsession set in sun-drenched Spain, with its inevitable tragic end, has captivated audiences for nearly 150 years. From the first notes of the famous overture, Bizet pulls us into a world where desire and destiny collide.

This version, directed by Andrzej Chyra six years ago, offers a fresh take on the classic, and in a very good way.

The first surprise for me is that Carmen (the brilliant Monika Ledzion-Porczyńska) doesn’t wear traditional red (aside from her high heels in some scenes). Instead, she’s associated Review: CARMEN at Polish National Opera  Imagewith whites, blacks, and soft pastels, yet she embodies Carmen’s essence so well!

The settings are universal but not modern, I love this approach! There are some additional characters like the boy and the devil, which make this opera a new type of story.

With an intriguing set design by Barbara Hanicka, the steel structure raises more questions than it answers, creating a labyrinth of spaces and lights (by Bartosz Nalazek). Magda’s Maciejewska costumes bring a sense of harmony to the entire production, particularly enhanced by the power of the chorus.

There’s a special power in the visually stunning group scenes; the vibrant colors, dynamic lighting, and grand stage movements create an impressive and delightful spectacle. The magnetism of Carmen is irresistible; Micaela (Ewa Tracz) can melt your heart like butter melts on a hot pancake, while Don José (Teodor Ilincai) convincingly portrays a man madly in love (obviously). Escamillo (Andrii Kymach) comes off like a modern celebrity, and Zuniga (Lukas Jakobski) aspires to that status, but he’s just an overpowered soldier in the mix.

The music needs no introduction or advertising; it’s a hit on its own. However, this Review: CARMEN at Polish National Opera  Imageintriguing and universal interpretation offers a fresh perspective that I absolutely love. The actors perform in a modern style, transforming the show into an easily enjoyable spectacle of great sounds and vibrant colors. There’s a story within a story and a consistency (you know how I appreciate that), so every scene—from the boy with the woodcock to the devil, and Don José choosing the intriguing Carmen over the girl-next-door in sneakers to the group of all-blonde women—everything just clicks.

I felt like I was in a fairy tale with a tragic ending. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the story! Nevertheless, even if you know it doesn’t end well, this show is definitely worth seeing.

Photo: Krzysztof Bielinski



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