Carmen in 2019
I KNOW THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT AN ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, WHO IS TRYING TO GET YOU TO BUY TICKETS TO COME SEE THE SHOW SHOULD SAY, BUT TO BE HONEST: I REALLY HATE THIS OPERA... NOW, KEEP READING:)
When I say that, I am truly not intending to degrade anyone's deep love of the Seguidilla, or the memories of one's grandmother playing the Habanera on the slightly out-of-tune piano in the living room. However, sometimes we are able to attribute positive memories of something because of environmental circumstances, rather than rational and objective consideration of an issue.
How many of us have seen popular competition shows on television such as America's Got Talent, and the like? How many of us have witnessed a 12-16 year old young girl sing the arguably most famous aria in the operatic repertoire "Nessun Dorma" while seemingly floating on clouds of fog, with some angelic lighting technical element, emotive strings, and an exuberant choir? The audience is completely rapt, more than one tear is shed, and everyone is amazed by this young girl that is able to sing this iconic song.
Sound familiar?
On its face, it seems like a heartwarming, wonderful, and warm experience for all involved. However, upon further inspection and understanding of the opera (Turandot) that "Nessun Dorma" comes from, it is more than obvious that the aria that the virile, aggressive, egotistical, hero Prince Calaf sings is not appropriate; with reference to "having" the Princess at daybreak - against her will - and that he will "win."
My point about this is that without the full context, a seemingly innocuous performance by a young girl of a pretty melody, is actually something that glorifies misogyny, physicality without consent, and gender and culturally insensitive stereotypes.
This is exactly what Carmen is, in the historical sense. Carmen is traditionally a Gypsy who is the ultimate sex symbol, who seduces or falls in love with multiple men, spurring one jilted lover to stalk her, beg her to return, and when ultimately rejected, dies at the hand of that scorned lover.
Considering where we are as a society, and how I personally feel about the role of women in these historical art pieces, as evidenced by this article by Amy Lilly of Seven Days, I do not want to be responsible for glorifying another domestic homicide, where the woman falls victim to a jealous man. If the theatrical characterization of the man were completely shunned from society, I would not have the type of problem that I have, as typically Don Jose remains the romantic, sympathetic and romantic lover, such that it almost makes the audience question whose fault it is that Carmen dies.
I think that is completely unacceptable, and I am sure that you all know that I will never glorify this type (or any) misogyny on the BARN OPERA stage.
My treatment of this show is to update the piece, and turn character relationships on their heads. The BARN OPERA production will concern a production company in NYC producing the opera "Carmen." The main characters' interactions are varied in that Carmen is the prima donna of the opera, but also a former dominatrix (hence, always in control.) Jose is the assistant director of the production. Escamillo is the leading man of the show, and Michaela is Jose's hometown ex-girlfriend who tries to get him to come back home.
This production explores the idea of infidelity and perceived infidelity, the notion of ownership and rights within a relationship, and the limits that the human psyche has to cope with external forces.
This production will not be like any other production that BARN OPERA has produced in the past. It will be edgy, and sexy, and very adult in nature. Considering the progressive and controversial nature of the production, we are willing to allow anyone who contacts us with concerns (Prior to May 12, 2019), to transfer their tickets to another future BARN OPERA production that may better suit your aesthetics.
However, as I said at many opening nights in the past, my job is not to just produce pretty music concerts, but rather productions that question status quo, question society, and force us to self-analyze our actions and our positions on human interests. If you see the show, and hate it, please let me know! I know that this is hard to believe as well, but as Artistic Director, I find constructive feedback a really valuable tool to determine what aesthetics our beloved BARN OPERA audience would like. Ultimately, I want to be able to bring new life and new perspective to these old warhorses, and any feedback as far as how much boundary pushing, will be most welcome!
I so hope that you love the production, but even if you don't, I know you'll love the music just as much as you did before the Collier treatment of Carmen. These singers are some of the best in not just the country, but internationally. Julia Mintzer (Carmen) will be singing the same role of Carmen in the spring of 2020 with the Welsh National Opera, as well as is an established director worldwide; Jessica Jane Jacobs was the winner of the 2018 Vermont Vocal Competition, and is becoming one of the most sought after sopranos in the Boston area, Cailin Marcel Manson will return to BARN OPERA after singing Sharpless in the inaugural production, and I will sing the role of Jose.
If the gritty nature of the production does not sit well with you, just feel free to close your eyes; the opera will be sung in the native french, and even though it is a reduction (total 1:40 of music) it will have all of your favorite musical moments intact. If you close your eyes, you can imagine your own mythical traditional production! However, my whole ambition with this production and BARN OPERA in general is to open the eyes of adventurous opera-goers, and move the conversation forward.
I hope that you will join me in that mission of proving the operatic art form's viability in the 21st century, and I know that if nothing else, this production will create conversation, which would be enough for me. I am looking forward to seeing you all at the BARN soon, and anytime you would be interested in chatting about this, know that the coffee is always on.
I'll keep an espresso cup ready for you.
Until May 17 & 18, or sooner, all my absolute best,
JRC