Carmen

You will hear the familiar themes of George Bizet’s score, though they are presented here through a contemporary lens. The music combines the nineteenth-century originals with Rodion Shchedrin’s iconic percussion-driven arrangements and additional contributions by Marc Álvarez. This sonic mixture supports a movement style by choreographer Johan Inger that moves away from traditional decorative aesthetics to focus on the psychological tension within the story. As you watch, listen for the way the strings are replaced or enhanced by sharp rhythmic pulses, reflecting the heightened stakes of the narrative. The evening is shaped by a cinematic approach to pacing, where the choreography emphasises the volatile emotions and obsession inherent in the plot. Rather than a purely classical display, the production uses a modern vocabulary to strip the work back to its core energy, ensuring that the momentum rarely falters from the opening sequence to the final curtain.

English National Ballet is one of the United Kingdom’s flagship dance companies, celebrated for bringing high-quality productions to audiences across the country and abroad. Based in London, they are known for a versatile repertoire that spans traditional nineteenth-century classics and bold new commissions. The company has built a reputation for technical precision and a willingness to collaborate with contemporary choreographers to revitalise the art form. In this performance, the dancers tackle a physical language that requires both classical rigour and a grounded, modern sensibility, showcasing the range that defines their current artistic identity.

This performance takes place at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, a venue renowned as a dedicated home for international dance. The production’s focus on clear storytelling and cinematic pacing makes it a suitable choice for those new to ballet as well as regular theatregoers. Because this is a dance performance rather than a staged opera, the narrative is conveyed entirely through movement and music without the use of lyrics or surtitles. We recommend arriving at the theatre in time to settle into your seat, as the direct nature of this choreography benefits from your full attention.