Opéra-Comique’s breath-taking production of George Bizet’s classic opera, Carmen is visually stunning and brilliantly acted. Keeping to the original score, this opera breaks the mould through innovative staging and costuming, as well as vivid performances from the entire cast.

Carmen isn’t simply a tragedy, it has many light-hearted comic elements which add depth and glee to the narrative of doomed obsessive love. The children’s chorus in particular is delightful, providing levity and energy in every scene they’re in.

Gaëlle Arquez excels in the eponymous role. From her first moment on stage, she’s an imposing figure successfully embodying the many layers of the tragic character. Every little smirk or flick of her hair is expertly timed, adding dividends to her performance. But where she truly shines is in the variation of emotional states, brilliantly portraying distress during the card reading scene, and in the closing moments her shudders of disgust and sneers are so realistic and highly sympathetic.

Similarly, Saimir Pirgu as Don José manages to ride the tumultuous waves of the character’s arc with grace and ease. He is particularly notable during the final two acts where his portrayal of José as a ticking time bomb is incredibly taut and tense. Likewise, Jean-Fernand Setti’s Escamillo is particularly wonderful, lighting up the stage with charismatic machismo whenever he enters. The “Toreador song” is a highlight of the entire opera and Setti, along with the entire chorus, deliver a vocally and visually invigorating performance.

In addition to superb performances, the staging of the opera is what truly sets it aside from other renditions and makes it exceptional. With an emphasis on blending history with the modern day, the costumes go from traditional bustle skirts and waistcoats to 1950s costumes and ending in modern day attire.

The stripped back set and bare space is incredibly well used. At many times, it feels as though the scenes on stage could be classical paintings. With effective lighting and the draping of the cast over one another, a scene of the cigarette workers being revealed becomes a sumptuously laid out tableau. There are many of these moments where the chorus create visually stunning images of clashing limbs and twirling bodies, crafting a sense of celebration and lustful chaos that perfectly matches the score. 

Carmen is a classic for a reason, its narrative is ever-relevant and fascinating. However this rendition does not simply rely on the source material but elevates and adds to it, creating a performance that challenges, amuses, and enchants the audience.