Ballet

Carmen

Johan Inger

The ballet Carmen by Swedish star choreographer Johan Inger fits seamlessly into a long line of brilliant Carmen interpretations by such great names as John Cranko, Mats Ek and Carlos Acosta. Viewed from the perspective of a child, Johan Inger tells the tragic love story of Carmen, Don José and the toreador – a tale of passion, jealousy, revenge and hatred – using strikingly vivid images.

Johan Inger created Carmen in 2015 for Madrid’s Compañía Nacional de Danza to music by Georges Bizet and Rodion Schtschedrin as well as new compositions by the Spaniard Marc Álvarez. In 2016 the choreographer travelled to Moscow to receive the “Oscar” of the ballet world, the Prix Benois de la Danse, for this, his first full-length ballet.

Ballet in two acts

Premiere
25. January 2019,

No further performances in the current season.

Explore

Stücktrailer

Trailer

Making-of

Carmen – Making-of (4)

Choreographer Johan Inger and Principal Jón Vallejo analyse the role of the possessive Don José, who falls in love with the independent Carmen but finally murders her out of jealousy. Second Soloist Ayaha Tsunaki takes over the role of Carmen and tells us what she admires about the strong woman.
Making-of

Carmen – Making-of (3)

The third making-of video includes interviews with the artistic director of Semperoper Ballett, Aaron S. Watkin, and the choreographer Johan Inger. Inges says he is delighted to return to his classical roots with Carmen and talks about his intentions when creating the two acts.
Making-of

Carmen – Making-of (2)

Carmen resorts to an additional character of a little boy who finds himself in a world of violence and darkness. Principal Anna Merkulova embodies the little boy and addresses the challenges and peculiarities of the role in the making-of video.
Making-of

Carmen – Making-of (1)

Choreographic assistant Patricia Vázquez Iruretagoyena talks about the work of choreographer Johan Inger and dramaturg Gregor Acuña-Pohl as well as the role of violence in the ballet, which is supposed to be emphasized by the additional character of the young boy.
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