Carmen in Astana

Barcelona Flamenco Ballet (BFB) with the programme CARMEN

(by composer Georges Bizet, who based the story on the novel of the same name by French writer Prosper Mérimée).

«Barcelona Flamenco Ballet»  (BFB) addresses the timeless myth of Carmen in its new project. This new recreation of Georges Bizet's work brings new elements of flamenco that were previously unknown. It goes beyond the traditional conception in which it has been historically categorised and adapts it to the realities of contemporary society. The values by which Carmen is now a woman of our time, and the adaptation of flamenco music and ballet with the distinctive imprint that characterises David Gutierrez, place the work in a new paradigm of universal myth and 21st century flamenco.

Although time has passed, Carmen retains her message of freedom and courage in the face of an unequal world where women still fight for their rights. Carmen is a prototypical woman who faces a hostile and cruel male world in which she does not survive, but leaves her example for posterity. Carmen is pain, passion and a cry for freedom, feelings that the art of flamenco masterfully represents in its most savage and primitive aspect.

«BFB» tells the story written by Prosper Mérimée, delving into the love affair between the gypsy girl Carmen and the bullfighter Escamillo. Here too, the language of flamenco is the best means of artistic expression to express emotions and the perfect driving force to convey the passion of the protagonists.

Mérimée's characters, Bizet's music and the flamenco of the BFB merge in a show open to the public today. Fans of opera, flamenco, dance, music, theatre and the performing arts in general will discover a new aesthetic reference point in this Carmen, where the blending of cultures and sensibilities will open the door to 21st century art.

With Carmen, the Barcelona Flamenco Ballet wants to pay tribute to Prosper Mérimée and his relationship with Spain and Barcelona in particular. He knew the city, spoke Catalan and even the language of the gypsies of Kahlo. BFB feels indebted to the brilliant author Prosper Mérimée for his ties to Barcelona, for his love of diversity and the mixing of cultures.