Reimagined opera debuts in France
Alexandra Lacroix and composer Diana Soh have reimagined Georges Bizet's Carmen as The Carmen Case, a contemporary opera presented as a trial examining the mechanisms of the most famous femicide in the repertoire.Opera shifts to courtroom setting
The production, created for the Chœur d'Angers Nantes Opéra, shifts the action of Bizet's original opera to a courtroom, where prosecutors, the accused, defense lawyers, and witnesses take turns at the bar to illuminate events, respond to accusations, and confront expert opinions.Audience becomes part of the trial
The audience is placed in the position of jurors, witnessing the trial of Don José. The performance alternates between dramatic recollections and flashbacks with the tense rhythm of judicial debates.Score blends old and new themes
Diana Soh's score intertwines with the famous themes of Bizet to dissect the deviations of love and criminal possession, bringing the question of freedom back to the center of the stage.Creative team and collaborators
The Carmen Case features composition and arrangements by Diana Soh, original music by Georges Bizet, and a concept, libretto, and staging by Alexandra Lacroix, based on Henri Meilhac, Ludovic Halévy, and judicial procedures. The conductor is Lucie Leguay, with stage design by Mathieu Lorry-Dupuy, costumes by Olga Karpinsky, lighting by Flore Marvaud, and video by Jérémie Bernaert.Cast includes notable performers
The cast includes Anne-Lise Polchlopek as Carmen, François Rougier as Don José / Franck, René Ramos Premier as Escamillo / Carlos, Angèle Chemin as Micaëla / the defense lawyer, Xavier de Lignerolles as José the accused / Ludovic, Élise Chauvin as Frasquita / Laura, expert, Anne-Emmanuelle Davy as The Prosecutor / Béatrice, expert, Fiona McGown as Mercedes / Jean-Luc, expert, and Guilhem Terrail as The President / Robert.Performance schedule across France
Performances are scheduled in Nantes at the Théâtre Graslin on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM; Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 8:00 PM; and Sunday, December 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM. In Angers, the Grand-Théâtre will host a performance on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 8:00 PM. The production will also be presented at the Opéra de Dijon on Tuesday, March 15, 2027 at 8:00 PM and Wednesday, March 16, 2027 at 2:30 PM for a school session.
