Suche
Mein Konto
Drama in the Volksoper: Killing Carmen celebrates a unique premiere!
On October 1, 2025, the Vienna Volksoper will celebrate the premiere of "KILLING CARMEN", an innovative adaptation of Bizet's classic.
Drama in the Volksoper: Killing Carmen celebrates a unique premiere!
The latest adaptation of the classic “Carmen” by Georges Bizet is eagerly awaited at the Vienna Volksoper. The premiere of “KILLING CARMEN” took place on October 27, 2025 and has already captivated viewers. How onlinemerker.com reports, audiences can look forward to a gripping plot set 13 years after the events of the original opera.
The story follows Don José, who faces his execution after years in prison. Here, Morales reflects on past events in Lilla's Pastia's Bar. The themes revolve around the past and the key questions: Does Carmen die because she is a femme fatale? And with it, does freedom die? In the flashbacks it becomes clear that Don José is seduced by Carmen and that she ultimately slips away from him - a classic conflict that reaches its tragic climax in the bullring in Seville when Carmen is shot.
The creative team and the musical background
The adaptation was created by a talented team consisting of directors Nils Strunk and Lukas Schrenk and musical director Gabriel Cazes. Under their guidance, the piece is not only presented in three languages - German, French and English - with surtitles, but also with a dynamic musicality that takes up elements from jazz, flamenco, musicals, pop and chanson. In a clever combination, Bizet's melodies are reinterpreted and allowed to shine in a modern light.
The cast is impressive: Katia Ledoux plays the lead role of Carmen, while Anton Zetterholm can be seen as Don José. Stefan Czerny (Escamillo), Julia Edtmeier (Micaëla) and Florian Carove (Moralès) will also be on stage. The ensemble is accompanied by a five-piece band led by Gabriel Cazes and ensures a high level of musical enjoyment.
Criticism and audience
The preliminary performance at the Donauinselfest on June 19, 2025 attracted great interest and has already received a lot of praise. Reviews range from being described as “clever and moving” (Kurier) to “a production that appeals to both newcomers and experienced opera fans” (Der Standard). Positive voices can also be found in the Folk Opera, which emphasizes that the performance is “lively, clever and witty.”
Following the performances, the creators and actors received long-lasting applause, shouts of Bravi and a standing ovation. The Vienna Volksoper also offers combination offers that combine the performance of “Carmen” and “KILLING CARMEN” and thus arouse curiosity about further interpretations of the famous story.
In summary: “KILLING CARMEN” brings a breath of fresh air to a timeless classic and aims to appeal to audiences both emotionally and intellectually. The piece stands on the shoulders of the legendary “Carmen”, which is performed annually in many cities around the world, such as Wikipedia holds on. This adaptation stays close to the original and at the same time offers an urgently needed critical reflection on the topic of guilt and past decisions.