Since the start of the year I’ve seen three versions of Carmen (two balletic and one operatic) and am starting to have serious doubts about her as role model for women. Brave, sparky, and full of self-belief yes, but a tragic heroine? I’d like her to concentrate on her career rather than unreliable men.
At least Carlos Acosta’s version takes her fate out of her hands. His production, first danced by the Royal Ballet in 2015 and now expanded and performed by the Cuban company Acosta formed in the same year, is dominated by the horned figure of the Bull, who represents the repressive hand of destiny.
