Love, obsession and control. All in a day’s ballet

Bizet's Carmen has long been celebrated as a tale of love, passion and seduction. However, a closer look reveals darker themes of obsession and possession lurking beneath the surface. Joburg Ballet brings choreographer Veronica Paeper's interpretation of Carmen to the stage, with Darragh Hourrides and Bruno Miranda playing the roles of Carmen and Don José, respectively.

The show runs from 25 September to 4 October at Joburg Theatre, then moves to Pretoria in October. The question remains: is Carmen truly a love story, or a narrative of possession?

Darragh believes Carmen's journey begins as a love story, but swiftly transforms into a story about possession. Carmen values her freedom above all else, while Don José struggles to accept this. The more he attempts to possess her, the further away she becomes. Is Carmen a liberated, reckless figure or somewhere in between? Bruno sees Carmen as free, unapologetic and secure in her identity. Today, audiences may better understand her independence and refusal to compromise her freedom for anyone else.

Tackling Don José's obsession without romanticizing it is a challenge. Bruno suggests Carmen is secure in her self-confidence, while Don José sees in her what he lacks – self-assurance. When faced with doubts about himself, Don José becomes desperate to prove his worth, but ultimately lacks self-confidence. Carmen, through her actions, exposes his true nature.

Darragh argues Carmen holds the power throughout most of the story, as she remains confident and refuses to be controlled. Don José's obsession turns into a desperate attempt to hold onto her, which becomes his power. Carmen's fight for her life and her refusal to surrender her power solidify this notion. Regardless of whom ultimately holds the power, Carmen's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of not accepting women's freedom to be who they are.