MELBOURNE City Ballet will bring the timeless opera Carmen to Geelong tonight as part of a regional tour.
Australia’s fastest growing ballet company, MCB brings the powerful story to The Potato Shed at 8pm.
Carmen tells the story of a city policeman Don Jose whose mother calls him to return home to marry childhood sweetheart Micaela.
Instead a chance encounter with an enchanting gypsy girl Carmen leads the pair into a tumultuous relationship that changes their lives forever.
Michael Pappalardo’s “Carmen” is portrayed by Nikki Blain, who recently joined the company from the National Ballet of Canada.
Known for her gorgeous legs and feet, Blain is one of Australia’s most emerging ballet artists, having trained with the Australian Ballet School, Melbourne.
“I respect that Carmen is an independent and strong woman in her time,” says Blain.
“She has a lot of sass and makes a very interesting change for a ballet artist.”
Melbourne City Ballet has attracted experienced artists from across the world.
Principal male artist Brendan Bradshaw, previously with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, plays opposite Blain as Don Jose.
Bradshaw describes the production as “loud and bold that will pull the audience in from the first overture”.
Artistic Director Michael Pappalardo says audiences should expect dazzling costumes, powerful performances, and an evocative score.
“Carmen is the company’s signature work and is simply unforgettable. It is a passionate story that is timeless.
Carmen is on at The Potato Shed tonight at 8pm.
