The Latest Breaking News from Don José

The story of Carmen, in the 19th century opera by French composer George Bizet, is, at its simplest, the story of a developing tension between Carmen, a stereotypically racialised woman attempting to break free from society’s impositions and her already-written fate.

Maximalist design, gorgeous music and grim reality come together in a smart, seductive and spectacular production from Opera Australia

The castanets, bullring and pelvic thrusting aren’t missed but the tightening and release of dramatic tension very much is

Conjuring the oppressive Mediterranean heat and the claustrophobia of a fraying close-knit community, Damiano Michieletto’s new production of Bizet’s tragedy is rich with drama and potent

Johan Inger’s cool take on Bizet’s tragic heroine is given its UK premiere by English National Ballet, while LA’s Yorke Dance Project celebrates three California dance pioneers

Scottish Opera’s new production makes the most of the work’s reinstated spoken-word sections, but suffers from a lack of charisma in its star

Ryan Opera Center grad J’Nai Bridges brings fiery stage presence and a stunning voice to her signature role, but her performance does not completely click.

With Bizet’s opera’s menace and casual cruelty to the fore, cracking performances from soloists and chorus alike ensure that this is a tense and atmospheric production

Don José and Doña Luisa, both in their 70s, are the true-life love story at the heart of Utama, which shows how drought is depopulating the highlands