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Ellen Kent’s Carmen brings traditional opera experience to Manchester stage

Thursday, 26 March 2026 17:00

By David Murphy

A production of Carmen directed by Ellen Kent has been staged at Manchester Opera House, offering audiences a traditional interpretation of Bizet’s well known opera.

The performance took place at Manchester Opera House on Wednesday 25, March, as part of a three-night farewell tour. The production presents Georges Bizet’s Carmen in a classic style, focusing on vocal performance and a faithful approach to the original work.

Set in Seville, the opera follows the story of Carmen, a gypsy woman, and her relationship with soldier Don Jose, alongside the involvement of Escamillo, a bullfighter. The narrative centres on themes of love, jealousy and conflict.

Mariia Davydova performed the role of Carmen, while Hovannes Andreasyan appeared as Don Jose. Iurie Gisca took on the role of Escamillo. The central relationships between the three characters formed the core of the production.

The staging was minimal, with a central doorway and curved set design used throughout to represent different locations including a factory and a bullring. Costumes reflected traditional Spanish influences associated with the opera.

The performance was delivered across four acts, with intervals between each section. The orchestral score, conducted by Vasyl Vasylenko, featured a number of widely recognised musical pieces associated with the opera.

At the conclusion of the performance, the full company appeared on stage to perform the Ukrainian national anthem. The moment was met with a strong response from the audience.

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