Carmen by Georges Bizet

Experience Den Jyske Opera's new production of Bizet's classic masterpiece from 1875, directed by Johanne Holten with a Danish translation by Jens Louis Petersen. Whether or not you have seen Carmen on stage before, you certainly know many of the memorable melodies the opera contains – from its distinctive overture to countless other classic musical numbers.

Carmen is about far more than music alone. It is a profound portrait of one of opera's most iconic female characters – an independent woman whose pursuit of freedom collides with unreturned love and ill fate. The story raises important questions about intimate partner violence, control, and why a freedom-loving woman might become bound to a man who harms her.

The plot: Sergeant Don José meets the petty criminal Carmen during a police matter. He falls in love with her, and she persuades him to let her escape – an act that destroys his career. Don José joins her group of travelling outlaws, but Carmen falls in love with the bullfighter Escamillo. Abandoned and destroyed, Don José seeks Carmen out in blind rage, with tragic consequences.

Cast: Carmen is sung alternately by Siv Misund and Laura Mayer. Don José is performed by Anders Kampmann and Fredrik Bjellsäter. The opera is performed in Danish with Danish surtitles.