Debra Li

debra_lidan@163.com

RIDING on its successful premiere in January, the Shenzhen-produced production of “Carmen” will return to the Shenzhen Poly Theater later this month for two more shows.

A joint project between the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theater (SZODT) and Germany’s Hamburg State Opera (Staatsoper Hamburg), this production of George Bizet’s classic French-language opera promises to charm local audiences with its star-studded cast, dazzling costumes, and a sleek, modern stage design.

Even those who have never seen the opera may have heard popular songs from it, like “Toréador Song” and “Habanera.”

Georges Delnon, artistic director of both the current production and the Hamburg State Opera, stated that the diverse international team behind the project has not only created a new interpretation of “Carmen,” but is also facilitating cultural exchanges.

Petra Deidda, a veteran opera director from Italy’s La Scala Theater, aims to tell the story from Carmen’s perspective.

Set in 19th-century Seville, Spain, the opera, based on French author Prosper Mérimée’s novella of the same name, centers on the tempestuous and ultimately ruinous relationship between Don José, a soldier, and Carmen, a free-spirited Romani woman. As Carmen’s affections shift to the dashing toreador Escamillo, Don José’s jealousy consumes him, culminating in a fit of rage where he fatally stabs her.

The opera is infused with Spanish melodies, flamenco rhythms, and beautiful arias that explore the themes of overwhelming passion, jealousy, betrayal, freedom, and power dynamics in relationships.

Ginger Costa-Jackson, a mezzo-soprano who has regularly performed at the world’s leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, will take on the lead role of Carmen. Mexico-born tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz, who won Plácido Domingo’s Operalia Competition in 2005, will perform the role of Don José.

Baritone Andrii Kymach, first-prize winner of the prestigious BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2019 competition, will play Escamillo. South Korean soprano Narea Son, first-prize laureate of the 2022 international singing competition Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, will take on the role of Micaëla, Don José’s fiancée.

Vladimir Conta of the Bucharest National Opera will lead the orchestra, with SZODT conductor Mu Wenhao as assistant and choral conductor, and Hu Manxue leading the children’s choir.

The performance will also feature Chinese tenor Ma Teng, baritones Lee Geng and Wang Shi, soprano Ruan Hongping, mezzo-soprano Shakira Zoe Tsindos, SZODT’s opera troupe and choir, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, and the Shenzhen Concert Hall’s Chanson de Montagne Multiethnic Children’s Choir.

Han Jiang, stage and lighting designer for the National Ballet of China and a leading talent in his field, has created a dreamy backdrop for the production. Chinese cultural symbols like circles, fans, and red flowers appear alongside Spanish costumes and Romani Tarot imagery, crafting a surreal atmosphere. The sloping stage symbolizes the imbalance in the intense relationship between the leads, while a looming giant black frame is reminiscent of a cage.

Zheng Wenxia, SZODT’s general manager, revealed that the cast and crew of “Carmen” will host a series of outreach events, including lectures and master classes, to engage audiences and vocal students.

“Given Shenzhen’s well-educated population, particularly many of the younger generation with experiences of overseas studies, Western performing arts like operas, musicals, and symphonies have become increasingly popular in recent years,” Zheng said.

Founded in 2018, SZODT has produced the original opera “Pioneers” and the dance dramas “Dream Seekers” and “Wing Chun,” with the latter receiving rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Time: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 26-27

Tickets: 100-980 yuan

Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 2 or 11 to Houhai Station, Exit E