CARMEN

All know that the opera “Carmen” of Georges Bizet is brilliant. According to P. I. Tchaikovsky, it is "one of those few things which are fated to reflect in themselves in the strongest degree musical aspirations of the whole era. In ten years "Carmen" will be the most popular opera in the world...". These words of the composer were prophetical. Up to this day opera "Carmen" is one of the most popular theatre performances who fascinates not only delightful music, but also the history of the strong and independent woman.

Bizet's melodies are simply penetrated by dancing expression — from here and naturalness of the numerous transfers of "Carmen" on choreographic language. Each of ballet masters seeks to present own interpretation of the melodramatic plot of Prosper Merimee, to find bright nonconventional decisions.

The modern version of the fatal love story of the sergeant Hoze to Gipsy Carmen is carried out by the choreographer Sergey Bobrov in common Yuliana Malkhasyants. Adhering to the literary fundamental principle, directors create original work in which action reveals means of both vocal, and choreographic arts. There is in this performance also something special: on the scene, replacing each other, there will be Merimee's heroes — Carmen and Michaela, Hoze and the Toreador — performed by actors of opera and ballet troupe. They will not only dance, but also to sing the love story, beauty and passion. In the performance the brightest opera episodes will sound, and in the choreographic score composed by S. Bobrov, elements of the classical and modern ballet organically will intertwine.

"For Carmen love is bird — gift unexpected and fleeting, for Hoze love — happiness, but also constancy duty. He can't exist under the free sky where there lives the love bird!"

Zh. Bizet

"She comes nearer, graceful, languid, coquettish... In her serenity there is something African... her passion is short, unexpected, feverish... This  is love — fatum, fate, shameless, innocent, cruel"

F. Nietzsche

Such interpretation of the image of Carmen drew attention of directors. Their Carmen — is erotic, capricious, proud and free. It is sensual elements which are embodied and in dance fantastically vigorous, full of fire, and in drunk-passionate opera arias and ensembles, and in magnificent suits of the magnificent theatre artist Anna Nezhnaya.

Prolog

"… In love there is no good and evil, there is no creation and destruction. There is only a movement" (Paulo Coelho "Zaire")

First action

The city sleeps. On the night city there is Carmen. The chief of guard captain Tsuniga checks posts. Carmen tries to distract attention of Tsuniga. Dankayro’s gang comes for the night trade.

Guard comes back. In the system there is no sergeant Hoze. He is detained by appointment to Michaela. Dankayro pays Carmen's attention on Hoze.

The first meeting with Carmen causes new, inexplicable feelings in Hoze. It not romantic passion for Michaela. The dark, painful feeling completely seizes him.

At tobacco factory fight again. Carmen will wound the competitor Mercedes in rage. It is ordered to Hoze to arrest the Gipsy, but he releases her.

Hoze is in love painfully and hopelessly. As if vision, appears before him Carmen. She is ready to become for him a girlfriend.

Second action

Hoze and Carmen are together. But he is a toy in her hands. And for Carmen life goes on. Her new elect — the toreador Eskamilyo. The street crowd with pleasure and delight welcomes the idol. Eskamilyo is at glory top. Carmen selflessly rushes to his embraces.

Dankayro reports to Hoze about new attachment of Carmen. Between rivals begins violent fight. The captain Tsuniga, trying to separate them, incidentally perishes by hand of the sergeant.

Now Hoze have no choice. He is a murderer and his place in Dankayro's gang.

Michaela's life is finally broken — Hoze is lost forever. Hopelessly her heart cries and groans.

Having spread out a shawl, Carmen reads the destiny. Hoze … Eskamilyo … Death … Mourning procession is turned, predicting death.

Hoze, torn apart by passions, asks about love and forgiveness. But Carmen — is free, she chooses Eskamilyo.

The bullfight holiday comes nearer. The crowd hurries on the square, Carmen – to her toreador. Hoze blocks to her the way. Last time he tries to return the love.

But both entreaties, and threats are vain – the proud Gipsy is free from obligations and conventions. The jealousy blinds Hoze. And Carmen perishes, having rushed towards to destiny, protecting the right to live on command of soul and heart.