Carmen La Cubana: Viva La Carmen!

Something like this has rarely been seen before: a fiery and dramatic musical from Cuba with aCarmen muy caliente. After its world premiere in Paris in 2016, Carmen (La Cubana) toured Europe and even traveled to Shanghai.

One evening at the time of the 1958 revolution in Cuba. Carmen enters the stage for the first time. Of course she wears red - and turns the heads of all the men. With her black curls, red corsage and black skirt, she stands in the gallery smoking. Not only will she drive the happily engaged José crazy, but all the other military boys will fall for her after just one look. Carmen, played by Luna Manzanares Nardo, is also a "Carmen" in her private life: an independent woman who fights for her freedom and never forgets what she wants.

"Jealousy is in my DNA"

Carmen seduces José, who is already engaged.

The beautiful 28-year-old talks about jealousy and life on tour: "I'm constantly on the road and have to deal with men all the time. I have to put jealousy to one side." This is not always easy, as jealousy is part of her DNA. Luna is mighty proud - and rightly so. "Many great voices have already sung Carmen. I am the very first Cuban Carmen. This is a great honor and challenge." Director Christopher Renshaw was also clear at the audition: it was her or no one. "Her heart comes out with her voice," enthuses the 66-year-old.

Bizet with a big band sound

Instead of a classical orchestra, there is a big band on stage: the brass section and Cuban rhythm instruments such as congas and timbales are the be-all and end-all of a (Cuban) big band. The woodwings, the acoustic bass and the violin provide the typical Bizet sound. Together with passionate singing and spirited dancing, the interpretation of the classical and tragic material is gripping, passionate and witty.

"Habanera was a prophecy"

Carmen, composed in 1875 by the French composer Georges Bizet, contains catchy arias such as "La Habanera", whose melodies are familiar even to people without much knowledge of opera. Musically, Carmen La Cubana is based on "Carmen Jones", a jazz-inspired musical adaptation by Oscar Hammerstein, which he brought to Broadway in 1943, where it became one of the most successful musicals of the 1940s.

Edgar Vero, co-arranger and associate musical director, has developed the musical's material in an exciting way. "It was incredible when we realized that our Cuban rhythms and styles fit perfectly into Bizet's music," says the arranger, adding: "I think Bizet made a prophecy with the famous Habanera."

Carmen La Cubana
30.10.2018 - 11.11.2018, Theater 11 Zurich
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