One of the world’s most iconic operas returns to the stage in an arresting new State Opera South Australia production of Carmen, bringing Bizet’s tale of defiance and speaking truth to power to Adelaide in October.
Across four performances from Saturday 17 October to Saturday 24 October 2026 at Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide, opera’s ultimate rebel takes centre stage in a production that evokes the sounds and sights of Bizet’s Spain.
Australian director Laura Hansford brings her unique creative voice to State Opera South Australia’s new production of Carmen, setting Bizet’s famous story in its original setting of 1825 Seville.
At the heart of the story is Carmen, a fiercely independent woman who refuses to be owned. When the simpleton soldier, Don José, falls for Carmen, their passionate flirtation spirals into jealousy and obsession – with devastating consequences.
Audiences will be immersed in a heightened cinematic world of blazing colour, which gradually bleeds away as Don Josė’s world unravels and tragedy unfolds.
State Opera South Australia Artistic Director Dane Lam said that Carmen remains one of the most recognisable stories and scores in opera, making it ideal for first-time audiences and seasoned opera-goers alike.
“There is no opera in the repertoire that has more recognisable tunes. Of all composers, Bizet knew how to craft a melody that stays with us long after we leave the theatre – the ultimate earworm maker!” said Lam.
“These timeless melodies – allied with an evocative orchestration and a cast of characters we at once recognise, barrack for, and pity – make a quintessential night at the theatre.”
Created in South Australia, Carmen features a stellar Australian cast, including South Australian soprano Charlotte Kelso who returns home in the title role of Carmen, tenor Gerard Schneider as Don Josė, baritone Samuel Dale Johnson as Escamillo and soprano Desiree Frahn as Micaëla, collaborating with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and State Opera Chorus.
Laura Hansford said she is thrilled to return to South Australia for this new production of Carmen. “I could not be more excited to come back to Adelaide and work with the team at State Opera South Australia,” said Hansford.
“The world Bizet created for us in Carmen is filled with passion, colour, wit, humour, friendship, and genuine humanity, and I cannot wait to see what we can create together.”
State Opera Executive Director Mark Taylor said that Carmen would be a fitting finale to the company’s Golden Jubilee mainstage season.
“Carmen is the triumphant conclusion to our Golden Jubilee mainstage season, celebrating Australian talent through Laura Hansford’s vision and the homecoming of Charlotte Kelso as opera’s most iconic heroine. This is blockbuster opera in South Australia created locally for global impact,” said Taylor.
Conductor: Dane Lam | Director: Laura Hansford | Featuring: Charlotte Kelso, Gerard Schneider, Samuel Dale Johnson, Desiree Frahn, Cathy-Di Zhang, Fiona McArdle, John Longmuir, Nicholas Lester, Andrew Williams, State Opera Chorus, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra | Chorus Master: Anthony Hunt | Production Designer: Ailsa Paterson | Lighting Designer: Bernie Tan-Hayes | Assistant Lighting Designer: Mark Oakley
Carmen
Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote Street, Adelaide
Season: 17 – 24 October 2026
Information and Bookings: www.stateopera.com.au
Image: State Opera South Australia presents Carmen (supplied)