PASSION . . . OBSESSION. . . RUIN

Bizet's Carmen

A chamber production for six singers and piano

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What our audience is saying

Testimonials

It is great to see a dedicated group of singers tackle such a well known opera and bring something new and exciting to the performance. The concept was captivating and the intimate format made the show especially enjoyable. Also great to be able to meet the cast and talk to them about the show.

I hadn’t heard of Rogue Opera before last night. Boy! was I missing out. I was a bit sceptical about a production of Carmen with a cast of six ... It really worked. It was gorgeous. Great performances from the cast.

It’s only a brave individual who will even attempt to stage Carmen, knowing that the expectations will be very high. However, this show has all the ingredients of being one of this year’s smash hits!! It’s a night to remember.... I love everything about this show. Absolutely brilliant!

Excellent, really powerful and totally engaging because of the quality of singing and acting and piano all working together so well with audience so close; I felt a part of it rather than just an observer. And it was affordable! Spoke to others there I knew and they felt the same.

Congratulations to Rogue Opera for producing such a good show of Carmen. Mesmerising performance by all the actors. They bring the play to life. A thoroughly enjoyable show.

Acting can sometimes be an issue in Opera but this was well acted and convincing. The singing was lovely and with a few props they evoked the atmosphere of gypsy camp fire and bullring. Thoroughly enjoyed it and had a good cry!

FORMER SOLDIER STABS GYPSY EX-LOVER TO DEATH

Carmen – fiery, daring and uncompromising – meets José, a soldier with a past…

Carmen and the Gypsies live a bohemian life, seeking freedom outside of the law. José, drawn to Carmen and this unconventional world, is torn between love, duty and honour. Micaëla, innocent and pious, represents a simpler way of life and the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo soon becomes a rival for Carmen’s affections.

Set against some of the most recognisable music in opera, this drama is a serious and still-relevant examination of violence, obsession and the struggle of a complex and spirited woman striving for independence and choice in life and love.

Rogue Opera’s fully staged intimate production is sung in French with English surtitles. Our cast of 6 singer-actors perform multiple roles and, along with our dancer and pianist, strip away the pomp and pageantry to present a raw and intimate piece of theatre. With the audience close enough to see blood, sweat and tears and to feel the vibration of every note, Bizet’s thrilling and captivating music is raw, powerful and intimate.

Directed by Bronwen Stephens
Music Director – Guy Murgatroyd with Choreography and Movement Direction by Michelle Buckley

Our production was staged in a number of unique spaces across London and the UK in 2018, including Tara Theatre in Earlsfield, Lingfield Lodge in Kent (private event) and the Abbey Theatre in St Albans. In 2019 we toured to the Shelley Theatre in Bournemouth and the Astor Theatre in Deal, as well as performing for charity fundraisers in support of Wandsworth Oasis and Guildford HomeStart.

Scenes from the production

All production, cast and rehearsal photos are courtesy of Cristina Schek.

Cristina photographed Carmen in the Tara Theatre production, part of the 2018 Wandsworth Arts Fringe.

Rogue Opera, Carmen Portraits, photo credit Cristina Schek (128)
Rogue Opera, Carmen Portraits, photo credit Cristina Schek (42)
Rogue Opera, Carmen Portraits, photo credit Cristina Schek (70)
Rogue Opera, Carmen Portraits, photo credit Cristina Schek (31)
Rogue Opera, Carmen Portraits, photo credit Cristina Schek (52)
Rogue Opera, Carmen Portraits, photo credit Cristina Schek (11)_DARK

Behind the scenes 

The cast had great fun taking Carmen to the Tara Theatre in Earlsfield, rehearsing in this interesting space prior to opening night on Sunday, 8 May 2018.

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