Smuggler, seductress, risk-taker, rebel. Who is this woman that turns every head? When Carmen meets Don José, sparks fly. She won’t give up her freedom, and Don José won’t give up his girl. Their smouldering passion sets the stage for tragedy, but first, Bizet gives us an adrenaline-pumping ride through lust, jealousy and spectacle.

This visceral opera is thrilling from the moment the curtain rises and the orchestra races away with the overture. The music has it all: explosions of colour, tender love songs, sensual dances, massive choruses, and always, underneath, the beating pulse of danger.

One of Australia’s great theatre directors, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Anne-Louise Sarks offers a bold new production of the opera classic, leaning into the revolutionary heart of Bizet’s once groundbreaking opera. This is a Carmen for our time, asking urgent questions about opera’s iconic femme fatale, whose dance with destiny ends in disaster.

We have four extraordinary Carmens performing over the course of the season: Danielle de Niese opens the season with a spectacular role debut, followed by international star Rihab Chaieb, and locals Sian Sharp and Angela Hogan. They lead a cast of absolutely dynamic singers, making this one of the opera events of the year.