Carmen • Pécsi Balett

Carmen is a symbol of freedom. Her story is a drama of unquenchable, wild love.

“Carmen’s story, the characters’ extreme emotional world, and Bizet’s music are very powerful and inspiring. For me, the main inspiration comes from the sharp shifts in the story and the music. I relate closely to the characters’ unpredictability and suddenness, which stem from their emotional intensity. How is it possible to go from an idyllic state of calm to the brink of madness in an instant? How can passion take control over reason? Where does that primal force come from that drives one into tragedy, and why is it impossible to fight against it? Where is the line between love, passion, and the desire for possession? Is passionate love fundamentally a state of madness? Bringing Carmen’s sensuality to life and expressing the wild surges of her emotions through dance is a wonderful opportunity. In my opinion, an even greater challenge lies in bringing Don José’s complex character and his transformation to life for the creator and shaping him for the dancer. For me, he is the central figure; the real drama belongs to him. This simple, honest, and pure-hearted man is turned inside out by his mad love for Carmen. His desire overcomes the virtue within him, until, having finally lost his mind, he commits the greatest sin: he takes Carmen’s life, since she can no longer be his. Don José’s inner struggle is a passionate male drama. This is what I wish to portray on stage.” Balázs Vincze