Currently playing at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, The Australian Ballet’s production of Johan Inger’s Carmen is a striking reinterpretation of Bizet’s timeless tale. A bold fusion of contemporary movement and classical technique, this production electrifies the stage with raw emotion, electrifying choreography, and a reimagined narrative perspective.
Jill Ogai delivers a commanding performance as Carmen, exuding both fiery independence and magnetic sensuality. Her every movement is precise yet fluid, embodying the defiant spirit of a woman who refuses to be controlled.
Opposite her, Callum Linnane’s Don José undergoes a harrowing transformation, his descent into obsession rendered with exquisite nuance. His solos are marked by both tenderness and an underlying tension, capturing the torment of a man undone by love and jealousy.
Marcus Morelli dazzles as Torero, the confident and charismatic bullfighter whose presence ignites the stage. His technical brilliance and effortless bravado make him a compelling counterpoint to Don José’s unravelling psyche. Brett Chynoweth’s Zuniga is equally arresting, delivering a performance steeped in authority and an ominous undercurrent, reinforcing the ballet’s exploration of power and possession.
Inger’s choreography is both expressive and visceral, weaving moments of explosive intensity with quieter, introspective sequences. Reimagining Carmen beyond the archetype of the seductive femme fatale, the ballet’s movement vocabulary is fluid, expressive, and emotionally charged, blending classical and modern dance elements.
Curt Allen Wilmer and Leticia Gañán (Estudio DeDos) staging is minimalist yet evocative, allowing the raw emotional power of the dancers to take precedence, while David Delfín’s costuming adds a modern edge that complements the production’s contemporary sensibilities.
The production, set to Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite with additional music by Marc Álvarez, – underscores the production’s dramatic shifts with a pulsing, urgent energy. The orchestration, featuring only strings and percussion, breathes new life into Bizet’s classic melodies. Under the baton of Joel Bass, Orchestra Victoria renders a spritely, yet exquisite performance of the score.
Inger’s Carmen is a masterful reimagining. A ballet that challenges conventions while staying true to the essence of its source material. Visually stunning, emotionally charged and technically impeccable, this production is a must see!
Carmen
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne
Performance: Friday 7 March 2025
Season continues to 18 March 2025
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au
Following its Melbourne season, Carmen will be staged at the Canberra Theatre Centre from 20 – 25 June, accompanied by Canberra Symphony Orchestra. For more information, visit: www.australianballet.com.au for details.
Image: Jill Ogai in Carmen – photo by Daniel Boud | Jill Ogai and Callum Linnane in Carmen – photo by Daniel Boud
Review: Rohan Shearn