Carmen – The Legend

The world-famous novel “Carmen”, written by the French dramatist Prosper Mérimée in 1845, tells a tragic story about love and passion, jealousy and unfaithfulness. Mérimée’s novel inspired George Bizet in 1875 to write one of the most important and dramatic operas of all times: “Carmen”.

Carmen, a gypsy woman working in the tobacco factory of Seville, is almost put under arrest during a knife fight but saved by the soldier José after offering him all her love in return of being freed. José could not resist her and fell in love with the hot-blooded Carmen. But his happiness is not to be endured: only shortly after she fell in love with bullfighter Escamillo. José, blind of jealousy, followed Carmen to the bullring of Seville – the place where Escamillo was a real bullfight hero. He begged Carmen to return but she instead despised him. Being out of his mind, José stabbed Carmen to death.

Upon arrival, Carmen’s fellow workers at the Tobacco Factory will receive guests in their typical clothes and will hand out a red rose to each Lady, and of course many fresh drinks. A classical guitar duo will play accords out of the Carmen opera, i.e. the entr’acte II and III. During dinner, a soprano and a tenor supported by a pianist will perform the most beautiful arias of “Carmen”, i.e. the Habanera “L’Amour Est Un Oiseaux Rebelle” or duet “Près De Remparts De Seville?”. one of the highlights of this event.

After dinner, an authentic local Flamenco ballet will demonstrate all you have to see of this important cultural heritage from the gypsies of the 18th century. The main female dancer is – of course – Carmen herself, dressed in a red Flamenco dress. The show is a perfect mixture between Spanish classical dance, ballet and pure Flamenco. Enjoy it!