












Smuggler, seductress, risk-taker, rebel.
Who is this woman that turns every head?
When Carmen meets Don José, sparks fly. She won’t give up her freedom, and Don José won’t give up his girl. Their smouldering passion sets the stage for tragedy, but first, Bizet gives us an adrenaline-pumping ride through lust, jealousy and spectacle.
The music has it all: explosions of colour, tender love songs, sensual dances, massive choruses, and always, underneath, the beating pulse of danger.
One of Australia’s great theatre directors, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Anne-Louise Sarks offers a bold new production of the opera classic, leaning into the revolutionary heart of Bizet’s once groundbreaking opera. This is a Carmen for our time, asking urgent questions about opera’s iconic femme fatale, whose dance with destiny ends in disaster.
We have four extraordinary Carmens performing over the course of the season: Danielle de Niese opens the season with a spectacular role debut, followed by international star Rihab Chaieb, and locals Sian Sharp and Angela Hogan. They lead a cast of absolutely dynamic singers, making this one of the opera events of the year.
2hr 50min. Incl. 1 Interval.
10th July, 2025
19th September, 2025
Step-free access with lifts and wheelchair seating, accessible bathrooms across multiple levels, assistive listening, captioned and audio-described performances, and registered service animals are welcome throughout the Sydney Opera House.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Sydney Opera House is short six-minute walk from Circular Quay, with frequent trains, buses and ferries. An accessible shuttle also operates between Circular Quay and the venue for those who require assistance.
BY BICYCLE: Bike parking is available beneath the Monumental Steps.
BY CAR: Parking is available at Wilson Parking Sydney Opera House Car Park, open 24/7 with undercover access to the Lower Concourse. Accessible parking spaces are also available on site.
Conductor: Lidiya Yankovskaya (10 Jul-4 Aug), Natalie Murray Beale (7 Aug-6 Sep) & Tahu Matheson (9-19 Sep)
Director: Anne-Louise Sarks
Set & Costume Designer: Marg Horwell
Lighting Designer: Paul Jackson
CAST
Carmen: Danielle de Niese (10 Jul–4 Aug), Rihab Chaieb (7 Aug–1 Sep), Sian Sharp (3–11 Sep) & Angela Hogan (13–19 Sep)
Don José: Abraham Bretón (10 Jul–4 Aug), Young Woo Kim (7 Aug–1 Sep) & Diego Torre (3–19 Sep)
Escamillo: Andrii Kymach (10 Jul–4 Aug) & Phillip Rhodes (7 Aug–19 Sep)
Micaëla: Jennifer Black (10 Jul–4 Aug, 3–19 Sep) & Stacey Alleaume (7 Aug–1 Sep)
Performed with: Opera Australia Orchestra & Opera Australia Chorus
*Subject to change
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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