The never-ending legend of Carmen

Carmen the cigarette factory worker, Carmen beyond the legend, Carmen as passion, Carmen as independence, Carmen free in body and soul, Carmen: The Woman.

Carmen of Seville. Seville of Carmen. Seville, the city of working women riding the first wave of feminism before anyone had the given the movement a name. Carmen determined to be herself and putting her life at risk. Autonomy at work and in love. The sovereignty of free spirits.

Carmen and Bizet are celebrating 150 years since the one of the most well-known operas in the world first came to the stage. Along with the death of the composer, soon after his work premiered. Myth and creator in an embrace which reaches deep within us, and is part of our emotional consciousness. The legend has transcended as a role model for women, Carmen belongs to a world beyond Mérimée or Bizet. This opera has turned drama into a song of freedom.

The stage direction is by Emilio Sagi, an essential name in a long family line associated with opera and zarzuela on the Spanish stage, an academic and university professor, and former Artistic Director of the Teatro Real of Madrid or the Teatro Arriaga of Bilbao. Carmen is Elīna Garanča, the marvellous mezzosoprano of the moment, Dalibor Jenis, the bullfighter Escamillo, and Piero Pretti plays the role of Don José, along with other important voices for a double cast in six performances.

A title which the Teatro de la Maestranza has prepared with the same passion and joy as Seville has recognised the opera to be an intrinsic part of its identity. Carmen as ambassador of a Seville that was, and is, at the forefront; and that continues to defend rights and beauty in equal measure.

On sale from Tuesday, November 5