Carmen

In this production by English National Ballet, you will experience a contemporary reading of a familiar narrative. The choreography by Johan Inger moves away from 19th-century stylistic tropes, opting instead for a gritty, physical language that focuses on the psychological tensions within the story. The musical landscape is equally varied, blending the recognisable melodies of Georges Bizet with Rodion Shchedrin’s percussive reimagining and additional textures by Marc Álvarez. You should listen for the way the orchestral themes are stripped back and sharpened, mirroring the raw movement on stage. The evening is shaped as a continuous exploration of desire and conflict, removing the traditional prettiness often associated with the setting. Instead, the focus remains on the momentum of the dancers, who navigate a landscape that feels both modern and timeless. By integrating these different musical layers, the performance builds a sense of mounting pressure that matches the intensity of the lead characters' fateful choices.

English National Ballet is one of the United Kingdom’s most prominent touring companies, known for its technical versatility and its commitment to both heritage works and modern commissions. Based at the Mulryan Centre for Dance in East London, the ensemble frequently performs at major London venues and throughout the regions. They have built a reputation for bringing a high degree of precision to neoclassical and contemporary styles. In this production, the company executes Johan Inger’s specific choreographic vision, demonstrating their ability to adapt to diverse movement vocabularies beyond the traditional classical canon.

This performance takes place at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, a venue renowned for hosting a broad spectrum of dance. As this is a ballet rather than an opera, the narrative is told entirely through movement and music without the use of surtitles or spoken dialogue. The contemporary nature of the staging makes it a suitable choice if you prefer modern aesthetics over traditional period costumes. We recommend arriving at the theatre in good time to locate your seat. There is no specific dress code for this venue; comfortable smart-casual attire is generally appropriate for an evening performance.