Opera in 4 acts
Music by Georges Bizet (1838-1875)
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on the short story by Prosper Mérimée
Premiere: Opéra-Comique de Paris, March 3, 1875
What use can a director be if not to present his interpreter's point of view on the work for which he is responsible?
Regarding Carmen, the stakes are high since it is one of the most performed operas in the world, which means that the interpretations have been multiple...
Thus Carmen is generally seen as the archetype of the woman claiming her freedom; and Don José is the almost innocent victim at best of a femme fatale, but, more often than not, of a bitch! But here simplicity is dangerous as it waters down the most subtle words.
Carmen is not a bitch or a prostitute.
It's a girl, young, who falls in love as she breathes. She asks nothing of anyone and even less of Don José, a violent boy who had to take refuge in the army following a brawl in his village.
Carmen will be the victim of his possessive violence. This young woman is murdered because she loves and she can't do anything about it. So yes, Carmen is fatal in that she burns whoever touches her while consuming herself. But it is also a fresh spring offered to anyone who wants to quench their thirst.
This, Escamillo will have understood and it is him that she will love madly. No one escapes Carmen, not even her!