Carmen at Vienna State Opera

Carmen, a young and beautiful worker of the cigarette factory of Seville is swarmed by all men. But she liked to win, who do not care for themselves: Don José, a Sergeant of the military guard. Before Carmen returns to the factory, she will throw him a flower. But Don José is actually already taken: Micaëla, who visited the young soldiers, reminds him of the wonderful time of their love. From his mother, the girl brings a letter, some money and a kiss. Suddenly, shouting is heard from the factory. Carmen has wounded in the dispute with the knife a comrade. José receives the command to bring the accused and to dissipate after the interrogation in prison by Lieutenant Zuniga. But quickly, he succumbs to her seduction, allowing it to escape.
A little later, Carmen and the now degraded Don José at the smugglers Inn at Lillas Pastia meet. As Don José fails to return when the sounds of the Zapfenstreiches in the barracks, and he also is resisting the commands of the incoming Zuniga, his fate is sealed: he must connect to the smugglers. But already after a short time, Carmen loses interest in Don José. She has cast her eyes on the Bullfighter Escamillo. This invites all smugglers to his next Bullfight. Micaëla, who has found out the whereabouts of Don Jose, gets him back in the home, at the deathbed of his mother. This time gives Don José and follows Micaëla - but only in order to take leave from his mother.
In Escamillo announced bullfighting, he lurks already before entering the arena on Carmen. Once again, he tries to persuade them to a common life, but she rejects him: as he stabs the woman who he loved above all in desperation.