Carmen

At its heart, Carmen is the story of a fiercely independent woman who refuses to be tamed. Set in Seville, the tale follows Carmen, a magnetic factory worker who captivates soldier Don José, drawing him into a whirlwind of passion, obsession, and ultimately, tragedy. As Carmen asserts her freedom and pursues the charismatic toreador Escamillo, Don José’s jealousy spirals into violence. The story is a timeless portrayal of desire, control, and the high stakes of love. 

In our new reimagining, choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa asks: Who would Carmen be today? Inspired by the boldness and brains of real-life “poker princess” Molly Bloom, this Carmen plays by her own rules—and always keeps the upper hand.

Prosper Mérimée’s novella Carmen, first published in 1845, served as the inspiration for Georges Bizet’s groundbreaking opera. Premiering in 1875 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, Bizet's Carmen was initially met with criticism for its portrayal of an independent, working-class woman. Over time, Carmen became one of the most popular and influential operas in the world. Its score, filled with unforgettable melodies like the “Habanera” and “Toreador Song,” has inspired countless adaptations in film, theater, and dance. 

Carmen broke with tradition by centering a flawed but magnetic female character who lives by her own rules. The opera’s themes of love, jealousy, freedom, and fate continue to resonate today, making it a rich source for reinterpretation.

Carmen: Inspired by the real-life “poker princess” Molly Bloom, Carmen is a fiery and fiercely independent woman who rises through the ranks of the casino world with unmatched power and allure. Unafraid to break all conventions, she quickly climbs to the top of the food chain, using her seductive charm and fearless demeanor to get exactly what she wants. Carmen is a force of nature who refuses to be controlled by any man—or anyone, for that matter. She is unstoppable, living life on her own terms. 

Don José: A conflicted guard torn between duty and desire, Don José falls deeply under Carmen’s spell, drawn into her world of passion and danger. His once-clear sense of right and wrong is clouded by obsession, leading him down a destructive path fueled by jealousy and self-doubt. In his pursuit of Carmen, he loses himself, unable to break free from her grasp. 

Fate: Personified as an unyielding, inescapable force, Fate weaves its threads through the lives of the characters, guiding them toward their ultimate destinies. A mythological creature created by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, she describes Fate physically as “one third bull, one third raven, and one third skeleton.” Fate is a powerful, enigmatic presence—forever influencing the choices and paths of those it touches, shaping the course of their lives in ways both mysterious and inevitable. 

Escamillo: A charismatic and confident bullfighter turned celebrity, Escamillo embodies the allure of fame, strength, and masculinity. Not only does he represent what Carmen desires, but he also serves as a playful and willing participant in her game, becoming both a partner, a rival, and a symbol of the excitement she seeks. 

Micaela: Sweet and innocent, Micaela is the village girl promised to Don José. She represents the pure, virtuous side of love—a sharp contrast to Carmen's wild and untamed passion. Through Micaela, Don José is reminded of the life he once had, filled with innocence and duty, making her a poignant reminder of what he stands to lose. 

Zuniga: The head of the guard, Zuniga is stern, authoritative, and deeply enmeshed in the power struggles around him. While he maintains a facade of control, he becomes entangled in the complex relationships between Carmen, Don José, and the men who surround her. Zuniga represents authority, but also the fragility of power in the presence of Carmen’s seductive and subversive influence. 

One of the most in-demand choreographers in the world, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa is known for creating dynamic works that break boundaries. A Colombian-Belgian artist, she began her choreographic journey after a celebrated performance career in Europe and has since created work for more than 70 companies worldwide, including Dutch National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, New York City Ballet, and English National Ballet. 

Ochoa is especially acclaimed for her narrative ballets that center powerful, complicated women—such as Frida and Broken Wings, inspired by the life of Frida Kahlo, and Doña Perón, a portrait of Eva Perón. Her storytelling fuses classical and contemporary movement with a bold theatricality, creating emotionally rich and visually unforgettable experiences. 

With Carmen, Ochoa reclaims the iconic femme fatale, stripping away the stereotypes and reimagining the character on her own terms. Inspired by the real-life “poker princess” Molly Bloom, this Carmen lives unapologetically and on her own edge—a modern woman navigating a world of power, risk, and control. 

Juan Pablo Acosta has both arranged Bizet's iconic Carmen and created new, original compositions for this reimagined production, blending classical and contemporary elements to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved opera.

Juan Pablo Acosta is a Colombian composer, arranger, and musical director known for his dynamic fusion of classical and Latin musical traditions. A Latin Grammy nominee, he has composed original scores and arrangements for major ballet companies across the Americas, including Houston Ballet, Alberta Ballet, and Ballet Nacional Dominicano. Acosta also serves as longtime musical director for Ballet Folclórico de Antioquia, with whom he has performed in over 18 countries.

Georges Bizet (1838–1875) was a French composer whose work has left an indelible mark on the world of opera and music. Best known for his opera Carmen, Bizet’s music is celebrated for its emotional depth and vibrant melodies. Carmen, which premiered in 1875, was groundbreaking for its blend of Spanish folk music and French lyrics, a daring fusion that was unconventional for its time. While Carmen was initially met with mixed reviews, its powerful characters and stirring music soon propelled it to worldwide acclaim, making it one of the most performed operas in history. Bizet’s other works, though fewer in number, also showcase his skill in creating vivid, dramatic landscapes, but it is Carmen that remains his defining legacy, influencing countless adaptations and performances across the globe.

A Note From The Composer

Adapting Carmen for ballet is always a significant artistic challenge—one that carries great responsibility. Its melodies live in the hearts of music lovers around the world, and many of them have become deeply embedded in popular culture.

For this version, my primary reference was the celebrated arrangement by composer Rodion Shchedrin, whose 40-minute suite for strings and percussion has become the most frequently performed ballet adaptation of Carmen worldwide. However, for this production, we decided to pursue a different path: a full orchestration including woodwinds and brass, and an expanded length of 70 minutes, allowing for a complete, evening-length ballet.

This expansion required the creation of new, original material as well as the development of extended arrangements based on Bizet’s original music. As a composer, my aim was to preserve a cohesive sonic and stylistic identity throughout, blending seamlessly the new compositions with the instrumental adaptations of Bizet’s opera.

There are moments of subtle irony and reinterpretation—for instance, in the "Flower Song", Don José’s heartfelt confession is now expressed through the horn and cello, bringing a darker, more introspective tone. The iconic "Habanera" is presented by the first violin, and reappears at the end of the ballet in a more dramatic and haunting variation, reflecting the fate of our heroine. 

In essence, this new version of Carmen seeks to musically support the fresh vision brought to life by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa through dance, while honoring the style and spirit of the melodies that have made Carmen one of the most iconic works in the history of art.

Mark Eric is a New York-based costume designer originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, he was named Critics’ Choice among his class. After years in the fashion industry, he founded MARK ERIC design in 2017, focusing on stage costumes. Mark Eric has designed for top choreographers like Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Sidra Bell, with his work seen on stages worldwide, including the Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and Joyce Theater. His designs have graced companies such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theater, and Ballet Hispánico. 

Philadelphia-based designer and filmmaker Christopher Ash is known for his award-winning work in projections, scenery, lighting, and cinematography across theatre, opera, dance, and film. His designs have been featured in 13 countries, including at The Met, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Broadway productions like Sunday in the Park with George and Network. Christopher is also the co-creator of the multi-sensory performance Body Language, blending dance, live interviews, and multimedia. He holds an MFA in design from the Yale School of Drama.