Carmen Suite, Georges Bizet adapted by Rodion Shchedrin, 1967 is a ballet that is both familiar and refreshingly unique. It's not often you get a chance to experience the intoxicating passion of Bizet's masterpiece brought to life with such dramatic choreography. Rodion Shchedrin, the master of orchestrating fiery narratives, doesn't merely reinterpret the iconic opera; he dives deep into the essence of Carmen, revealing a story of simmering desires, thwarted love, and ultimately, inevitable fate.
This ballet isn't simply about the music, it's about the bodies. The choreography is bold and unrelenting, echoing the very heart of the drama. The dances are raw, almost primal, a celebration of primal instincts. I watched the first scene, the tobacco factory, a whirl of dancers weaving in and out of each other, the energy electric. There is an urgency in their movements, like caged animals straining at their confines. Carmen, a whirlwind of untamed passion, stands apart, a focal point, mesmerizing everyone with her uninhibited sensuality. Her dancing is not technically perfect in the classical sense, but it possesses an allure that draws you in. The movements are uninhibited, full of expressive nuances, conveying her confidence and unpredictable nature. The ballet throws its focus on Carmen’s agency. While she’s driven by powerful desires, her independence and strength come through, particularly in the defiant dances with the bullfighter.
Speaking of the bullfighter, the character’s story arc is particularly striking. The choreography beautifully reflects the tragic hero. His initial grace, the passionate yet tender duet with Carmen, his mounting fear as he realises her heart cannot be held captive, the desperate, final struggle against destiny – every emotion is exquisitely embodied in the dance. The dramatic contrast between the tender, fleeting romance with Micaëla, and his raw attraction for the dangerous, passionate Carmen was beautifully conveyed. Micaëla was ethereal, a fragile and pure spirit, and you can see the genuine affection and almost painful desire in the bullfighter's gestures towards her. The choreography masterfully shows the internal conflict tearing the bullfighter apart.
The dancers themselves gave impassioned performances. The physical demands of the choreography are immense. From the fast-paced steps of the opening scene, the dramatic duets and the expressive soli that punctuate the action, the dancers were never less than enthralling. There were moments where I had to remind myself that this was not a performance on a stage but a world being created before my eyes. I particularly loved the way the dancer who played the bullfighter handled the dramatic shifts. He transitioned between tender moments of romance, the impulsive, animalistic attracted to Carmen and the grief of facing his fate with perfect poise, adding his own personal stamp to a classic. There’s real artistry in conveying all this through dance.
But, no matter how good the choreography, it wouldn't be able to sing without Shchedrin's music. His re-orchestration of Bizet's Carmen is nothing short of breathtaking. It retains the spirit of the original score but with a darker, more intense flavour. The use of brass and percussion creates a thrilling energy, drawing you into the heart of the action. There is an underlying, brooding menace, mirroring the simmering passions and inevitability of the play's conclusion. I especially loved the way he amplified the melancholic notes in Micaëla’s theme, further emphasizing her role as a symbol of lost love and innocence in a world ruled by passion.
The beauty of the ballet is not only in the music and the dancing but also in its power to resonate. It’s a story about a fierce, independent woman caught in a web of passion and a world where her desires can only end in tragedy. Carmen is a story that has stood the test of time because it's a powerful and timeless story. The story and the dancing made a strong impression. Even now, weeks after seeing the performance, I'm still thinking about the raw power of Carmen’s rebellion and the bittersweet romanticism of the bullfighter’s doomed love for her. Shchedrin's adaption really brings a raw and powerful aspect to the story and it was a reminder of why I fell in love with ballet in the first place: its capacity to speak a universal language.
I was incredibly moved by the performance. It was a visceral and emotional experience. I have never seen a production that was so raw and unflinching in its exploration of the human condition. Carmen Suite is a ballet for anyone who loves the thrill of the dramatic. If you are looking for a show that is more than just beautiful choreography, I would recommend this production wholeheartedly. I’d love to see the production again, not just for the choreography but for the music, the story, the energy – for the absolute emotional rollercoaster of the whole experience. It’s definitely a ballet that I’ll not soon forget.
However, it would be remiss of me to ignore the elephant in the room. Many have questioned whether reworking a masterpiece like Carmen into a ballet was a necessary undertaking. The bold choice to remove vocalization and focus solely on the instrumental work was controversial at the time of its release. I respect those arguments, but, I would argue that the ballet’s greatest triumph is the ability to evoke powerful emotions. I may have entered the performance with an understanding of the story. But the ballet created an entirely new and unique world for me that didn't feel like a rehash, it felt completely fresh and compelling. It wasn't just the dance and music, it was the way that both worked in tandem to present a rich, compelling emotional landscape that captivated me.