The story of Carmen remains timeless. Stage director Maria Todaro’s version is set during Franco’s reign in 1937 Spain, a period rife with distrust and violence, and the narrative’s stakes escalate dramatically. While adhering faithfully to the libretto, in this version, Carmen and her band of gypsies are not mere smugglers. They emerge as courageous freedom fighters. The female gypsies who fought during Franco’s regime were part of the first organized army of women known to history. The exotic life of the gypsy as depicted in Carmen reflects the political unrest of nineteenth-century Spain and the power struggles of race, social class, and gender. Carmen, a femme fatale gypsy who works in a Seville cigarette factory, loves who she wants, when she wants, and she refuses to compromise. Her character is a wild spirit. She’s challenging, compelling, multifaceted, and a heroine who defies the lines of social class and authority.

Sung in French with English and Spanish projected translations.

Each program is accompanied by a pre-show lecture an hour before curtain with a talk-back session immediately following the performance.

Opera Previews: Join for a witty, captivating, and always entertaining preview one hour prior to the performance. Not only will you learn about the plot of the opera, you’ll also hear entertaining stories and backstage gossip that is part of any opera.

Opera Talk Backs: Join us after this performance for an informative Q&A session by members of the senior artistic staff. Ask questions about the opera and get some insight behind the scenes about how the production came together. This free event will be an open forum to ask your questions and be a part of the discussion.

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