Royal New Zealand Ballet performs Didy Veldman's 'Carmen' in June 2010

Carmen’s allure is the stuff of legend. Sizzlingly seductive, few can resist her charms.

An electrifying contemporary ballet, set in modern day Rio de Janeiro, Carmen is guaranteed to set pulses racing.

This stylish, sensuous production featuring Didy Veldman’s powerful choreography has been hailed as “brilliant dance theatre “ and a “raunchy and fast-paced production not to be missed”.

Working in a cigarette factory by day and hanging out with a band of seedy small-time crooks at her local bar by night - follow the world’s most famous man-eating manipulator as she breaks hearts with her unscrupulous ways.
Against a backdrop of modern-day Rio de Janeiro and set to George Bizet’s famous score, this is dramatic dance theatre at its best.

This highly visual, contemporary take on a classic story sees Carmen working in a cigarette factory by day. By night, you’ll find her hanging out with a dodgy crowd of small-time crooks at the seedy Bar Pastia. Sultry and ruthless, Carmen uses her seductive powers to devastating effect. Able to disarm with a sideward glance, the independent and strong-willed Carmen manipulates every situation to her favour.

When José makes the mistake of falling in love with Carmen, things spiral out of control. Caught between duty and desire, José’s uncontrollable desire for the dismissive Carmen can only lead to disaster.

Meridian CEO Tim Lusk says Carmen will certainly add some spice to 2010. “It’s appropriate that, as a power company, we are sponsoring this electrifying production of Carmen. We are delighted that our 11 year association with the RNZB continues to bring this standard of dance to New Zealanders.”

First performed by the RNZB in 2002 and choreographed by Dutch-born Didy Veldman, this production of Carmen canvasses a variety of genres and will appeal to lovers of theatre, music, dance, and design.

Choreographer: Didy Veldman
Director: Patricia Doyle
Music: Georges Bizet
Production Designer: Lez Brotherston
Lighting Designer: Mark Henderson

Please use this link to access page of Royal New Zealand Ballet.
http://www.nzballet.org.nz/season/meridian-season-carmen

Dates & Venues

Wellington
5 & 6 June & 9 – 12 June
St James Theatre
Featuring the Vector Wellington Orchestra

Invercargill
17 - 19 June
Civic Theatre

Christchurch
23 – 26 June
Isaac Theatre Royal
Featuring the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra

Palmerston North
29 & 30 June
Regent on Broadway

Napier
3 & 4 July
Municipal Theatre

Auckland
7 – 10 July
Aotea Centre at THE EDGE
Featuring the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

Photograph information:
RNZB Artist Abigail Boyle
Photography by Ross Brown