Opera Australia presents Carmen on Cockatoo Island

The ultimate femme fatale is back, in a brand new island performance in the middle of Sydney Harbour.

Carmen tosses her hair, stamps her feet and the whole world falls under her spell.

Revel in the irresistible Spanish tunes, sultry story and dark undercurrent of Carmen. You’ll hear the flirty Habanera and famous Toreador song amid a spectacle that features fire-twirling, car crashes and fireworks.

Your night begins with a ferry ride across the glittering water to the world-heritage listed sanctuary of Cockatoo Island. Step off the boat and you’re surrounded by layers of history. Once a meeting place for the Eora Nation, the site is now dotted with the industrial relics of a century of ship-building and architectural marvels dating back to Sydney’s convict past.

Today, the island is a world-class contemporary arts venue, hosting everything from the Biennale of Sydney to live concert performances. It’s the perfect backdrop for Bizet’s gritty tale of fate and freedom.

Raise a glass with friends and grab a snack from an array of pop up bars and eateries on the foreshore before settling in under the stars for an unforgettable night out.

You can even sail right up to the event and book a mooring to watch the show.

“Carmen with a rock’n’roll heart” – Michael Bailey, AFR

★★★★★ “a five-star experience” – Justin Clarke, Theatre Thoughts

“High voltage energy” – Peter McCallum, Sydney Morning Herald

The Experience A range of pop-up bars, eateries and an undercover restaurant will be available at Carmen on Cockatoo Island, designed to suit all budgets and dietary requirements. Please don’t bring a picnic. Only food and beverages purchased on site can be consumed within the venue. The venue is a cashless site, to minimise shared contact surfaces.

Getting There Cockatoo Island is accessible by the Opera on Cockatoo Island Shuttle Ferry, public ferry, or water taxi. We strongly encourage customers to pre-book. Please see venue tab for more information.

CAST & CREATIVES:

Director: Liesel Badorrek

Conductor: Tahu Matheson

CARMEN: Carmen Topciu, Sian Sharp

DON JOSÉ: Roberto Aronica, Diego Torre

ESCAMILLO: Daniel Sumegi, Alexander Sefton

MICAËLA: Danita Weatherstone, Rebecca Gulinello

FRASQUITA: Jane Ede, Esther Song

MERCÉDÈS: Agnes Sarkis

REMENDADO: Adam Player

DANCAIRO: Alexander Hargreaves

ZUNIGA: Richard Anderson

MORALES: Haotian Qi