Carmen is a gripping tale of desire, defiance, and the dangerous pull of obsession. When the fiercely independent Carmen captures the attention of soldier Don José, their lives become entwined in a volatile relationship that challenges duty, freedom, and fate itself. Our production stars the incomparable Rihab Chaieb , whose “mesmerizing stage personality” and “warm and supple voice” have enchanted audiences and reviewers from The Met to the BBC Proms. Filled with unforgettable melodies and richly drawn characters, Bizet’s Carmen explores what happens when passion refuses to be tamed—setting the stage for consequences that feel as inevitable as they are electrifying. Act I — A town square in Seville, Spain Moralès and his soldiers pass their time reading and playing dice. Micaëla appears, looking for, Corporal Don José. She is told that José will arrive with the changing of the guard. Micaëla departs. Lieutenant Zuniga and Don José arrive for the changing of the guard. The midday bell rings, and the women who have been working in the factory come outside for their break. Among them is Carmen, who entrances all — except Don José. Carmen throws a flower at him and returns to the factory. Micaëla returns with a letter from Don José’s mother. Suddenly, sounds of a fight are heard in the factory. Women burst loudly into the square, and Carmen is accused of wounding her co-worker with a knife. José is ordered to arrest Carmen. Once they are alone, Carmen convinces José to help her escape. Don José unties Carmen and she flees. José is arrested. Act II — Lillas Pastia’s tavern At the end of a dance, Zuniga tells Carmen that José has been released after a month in prison. The famous bullfighter Escamillo arrives. He is immediately attracted to Carmen, but she refuses his advances. The smugglers Remendado and Dancaïro enter. They ask Carmen, Frasquita, and Mercédès for their help on a smuggling mission. Carmen refuses, saying again that she is waiting for Don José, her true l
