Michieletto's Carmen at La Scala: Less Folklore, More Fate

Damiano Michieletto's new production of Bizet's Carmen at Teatro alla Scala, co-produced with London's Royal Opera House and Madrid's Teatro Real, strips away traditional Spanish folklore to focus on the protagonists' inescapable destiny. Set in 1970s rural Spain with costumes by Carla Teti, the staging reduces local color for a stark, effective spectacle. Myung-Whun Chung, the theater's incoming Music Director, conducts his eleventh opera at La Scala. The production divides audiences, with femicide remaining a background theme. The premiere anticipates the December 7 opening night.