Since her debut in 1875, Carmen, the titular character from Bizet’s opera, has become a timeless cultural icon, inspiring generations of composers, choreographers, and writers to capture her elusive and alluring nature. Ballet Hispánico New York honors the Spanish femme fatale with Gustavo Ramirez Sansano’s electrifying CARMEN.maquia. One of today’s most sought-after choreographers, Sansano’s ballet is a bold and unrelenting reimagining of the tragic tale, featuring the breathtaking power and sensuality of the company’s dancers.
Journalist and author Debra Levine expands on Sansano’s approach to the popular tale, and how music and dance come together in this fresh rendition.
“The story of an unfettered, wildly flirtatious, seemingly destructive young woman ruled by her emotions and sex appeal has deep cultural roots. Carmen was originally published as a novella by French writer Prosper Mérimée in 1845. Then, in 1875 (exactly 150 years ago), Georges Bizet’s vastly popular opera premiered in Paris. In 2012, the Spanish choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano created his version of the ballet.”
Gratefully,
