Despite strong performances, the evening remains neither moving nor memorable. The production leaves the audience with a sore lack of emotional impact. At the end, it remains unclear where the focus of the opera lies on Carmen and her loves or on the broader politics of the adaptation’s premise.
Further, the audience never fully understands or identifies with Carmen, as her inherently flighty and seductive characteristics are never integrated with the newly-imposed role of smuggler or free-trade protestor.
Forcing Carmen, the ultimate diva, to distract her attention from her sexual ploys and unrepentant selfishness is an intriguing, almost noble proposition—but one that ultimately proves futile.
Editor’s Note: Carmen features a double cast. This review is of the Mar. 11 performance when Carmen, Escamillo, Frasquita and Mercedes were portrayed by different actors than those who appeared in the roles on opening night.
theater
Carmen
Written by George Bizet
Directed by Anne Harley
Music Directed by Benjamin Rous
Produced by Kristel C.Q. Leow ’04 and Anthony G. Vila ’04
Lowell House Dining Hall
Through Mar. 16