Passion, freedom, and destructive love: Georges Bizet's "Carmen" is one of the most famous operas in the world. At the Semperoper Dresden, the story unfolds of a self-determined woman whose uncompromising desire for freedom triggers a tragic chain of events.
With Carmen, Georges Bizet created an opera that remains one of the most popular works in the repertoire to this day. At its center is the self-confident gypsy Carmen, whose motto in life is freedom and independence. Her fascinating charisma captivates numerous men—but she allows herself to be neither possessed nor bound.
The soldier Don José falls passionately in love with Carmen. Their encounter develops into a relationship that increasingly pulls him away from his previous life. While José risks his military career and social standing, he loses control of his emotions. At the same time, Carmen turns her attention to the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo, which further exacerbates the situation.
Between passion, jealousy, and the unconditional desire for personal freedom, the story inexorably heads toward a tragic end. Bizet's opera combines grand arias, rousing choral scenes, and colorful Spanish soundscapes to create a musical theater experience full of dramatic intensity. The Semperoper Dresden presents the work in a new production, focusing on the myth of Carmen and her uncompromising struggle for self-determination.
Premiere May 1
Further performances: May 3, 6, 9, 14, 17, 23, and 25, June 1, 5, 12, and 20, August 29, September 2, 4, 7, 9, 12, 19, and 26, September, 3, 6, and 9, October 2026
