Review: CARMEN at Polish National Opera

This tale of love, passion, and obsession set in sun-drenched Spain, with its inevitable tragic end, has captivated audiences for nearly 150 years. From the first notes of the famous overture, Bizet pulls us into a world where desire and destiny collide.

This version, directed by Andrzej Chyra six years ago, offers a fresh take on the classic, and in a very good way.

The first surprise for me is that Carmen (the brilliant Monika Ledzion-Porczyńska) doesn’t wear traditional red (aside from her high heels in some scenes). Instead, she’s associated with whites, blacks, and soft pastels, yet she embodies Carmen’s essence so well!

The settings are universal but not modern, I love this approach! There are some additional characters like the boy and the devil, which make this opera a new type of story.

With an intriguing set design by Barbara Hanicka, the steel structure raises more questions than it answers, creating a labyrinth of spaces and lights (by Bartosz Nalazek). Magda’s Maciejewska costumes bring a sense of harmony to the entire production, particularly enhanced by the power of the chorus.

There’s a special power in the visually stunning group scenes; the vibrant colors, dynamic lighting, and grand stage movements create an impressive and delightful spectacle. The magnetism of Carmen is irresistible; Micaela (Ewa Tracz) can melt your heart like butter melts on a hot pancake, while Don José (Teodor Ilincai) convincingly portrays a man madly in love (obviously). Escamillo (Andrii Kymach) comes off like a modern celebrity, and Zuniga (Lukas Jakobski) aspires to that status, but he’s just an overpowered soldier in the mix.

The music needs no introduction or advertising; it’s a hit on its own. However, this intriguing and universal interpretation offers a fresh perspective that I absolutely love. The actors perform in a modern style, transforming the show into an easily enjoyable spectacle of great sounds and vibrant colors. There’s a story within a story and a consistency (you know how I appreciate that), so every scene—from the boy with the woodcock to the devil, and Don José choosing the intriguing Carmen over the girl-next-door in sneakers to the group of all-blonde women—everything just clicks.

I felt like I was in a fairy tale with a tragic ending. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the story! Nevertheless, even if you know it doesn’t end well, this show is definitely worth seeing.

Photo: Krzysztof Bielinski