Some performances stay with you long after you leave the theatre, and Carmen by Carlos Acosta is one of them. It is the kind of production that draws you in completely, holding your attention with its intensity and atmosphere, and leaving you thinking about it long after the final scene has faded.
From the moment the performance begins, there is a sense that you are about to experience something immersive and emotionally charged. It is not simply something you watch, but something you feel, moment by moment, as it unfolds on stage.
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What Is Carlos Acosta’s Carmen About?
At its heart, Carmen is a story of passion, freedom, and jealousy. Carmen (Amisaday Naara) is a fiercely independent woman working in a cigarette factory in Seville. She captivates the soldier Don José (Alejandro Silva), who quickly falls deeply in love with her. But Carmen refuses to be controlled, and her attention shifts to the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo (Paul Brando). As Don José’s jealousy intensifies, the story moves toward its inevitable and tragic conclusion.
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Acosta leans into the darker undercurrents of the narrative, bringing themes of toxic relationships, shifting power dynamics, and Carmen’s refusal to belong to anyone into sharp focus. He also elevates the presence of the bull, symbolic of fate and destiny, creating a constant sense of inevitability, as though each character is being drawn towards their end. The result feels less like a traditional romantic tragedy and more like a powerful exploration of control, freedom, and consequence.
My Review of Carmen
This production is nothing short of breathtaking. Every movement feels fluid and effortless, with a level of precision that is almost hypnotic. Amisaday Naara, in particular, appears almost weightless at times. It is a performance that is both technically remarkable and emotionally compelling.
The staging is beautifully understated. The set remains simple yet incredibly effective, shifting subtly with the mood and never distracting from the performance. Instead, it enhances the storytelling and provides just enough atmosphere to frame each scene perfectly.
While Carmen is, at its core, a ballet, this interpretation feels strikingly modern, fresh, current, and deeply engaging. It does not simply unfold before you; it draws you in completely. Not in a gentle or comforting way, but in a way that holds your attention entirely, wrapping you in its intensity and leaving you fully immersed in the experience. It is powerful, absorbing, and genuinely unforgettable.
Where Can You See Carmen
Carmen is at the Opera House Manchester until the 25th April. And then at……
- Theatre Royal Brighton, Wed 29 Apr – Sat 2 May 2026
- Woking Theatre, Wed 6 May – Sat 9 May 2026
Disclaimer: I was gifted the tickets, but a review is optional. However, all opinions are my own. Check out where to park near the Opera House Manchester. See More theatre reviews here.
