10 metre high hands rise up from a lake, dropping a pack of
cards and clasping at a 6 metre long cigarette. The cards, measuring at 30 sq
metre each, frame the backdrop for Carmen
On the Lake. This is the latest theatrical event to show at the Bregenz
Festival, Austria. The iconic floating stage has become renowned for its
spectacular sets. For one night only on the 14th September, Carmen will be broadcast to cinemas
around the world. The falling cards were designed by British set designer, Es Devlin,
and are as eye-catching as they are relevant to the concept of the opera.
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| Daniel Johansson and Gaelle Arquez as Carmen and Don Jose |
Carmen, the French
opera by Georges Bizet, centres
on the eponymous fiery gypsy Carmen. From Carmen
comes some of the best known arias in opera including ‘The Habenera’ and ‘The Toreador Song.’ There is a large
cast, contributing to the vast scale of the show. Each member is hugely
talented, hitting each note of these operatic numbers and filling the words
with meaning. Despite the language barrier for English viewers, there will be no difficulty in
understanding their emotion.
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| On the lake in Bregenz sits the stage designed by Es Devlin |
Directed by Kasper Holton, this latest rendition is
exceptionally accomplished, staying faithful to the original opera whilst utilising modern technology and costumes. Gaelle Arquez as Carmen is a perfect casting, as
she is both visually compelling and entirely believable in her portrayal of the title role. Carmen is not very likeable, and is a powerful and flawed
female character. Her opening lines include ‘If you do not love me, I love you.
But if I love you, be careful.’ For an opera originally performed in 1875, this
is an astute understanding of a complex woman. Arquez manages to spit out these
lines, at once showing self-awareness, strength and hidden vulnerability,
making the final scene even more poignant. Equally, Daniel Johansson as Don
Jose is able to play a confused male lead, whose entire character evolves and
darkens throughout the show. Carmen’s private dance for Jose in Act 2 was a
particularly well-acted scene from both Arquez and Johansson as they portrayed
a man torn between love of a woman and duty for his country.
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| The show utilises the lake itself as a prop |
Visually, Carmen on the Lake is flawless, utilising the lake itself as a prop. The stage is lowered to allow it to be submerged at points. Luke Halls’ video projections onto the cards allowed for multiple angles of viewing the drama as it unfolds, symbolising Carmen’s own, inescapable tragic fate. For example, as we are introduced to Carmen, a huge Queen of Hearts is turned over behind her. The costumes by Anja Vang Kragh are stunning and furthermore convey deeper symbolism and character development. As Es Devlin explains in the intermission feature, it took two years to construct the stage. It was a huge undertaking but the payoff is evident in every thrilling moment of the show.
The final scene was completely absorbing, a
true mastery of staging, directing and acting. It is a moment you will want to rewatch. The broadcast on the 14th is sure to be an unforgettable spectacle and should not be missed.
To find a showing near you head here.
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