Carmen

On March 23, in the year two thousand six, my class got the privilege to see Bizet’s “Carmen” at Chicago’s Lyric Opera. My interpretation of the opera house was far beyond what I imagined the house to look like. Upon entering, I was thoroughly surprised of the large size. The foyer and stairs were decked out in a lush red carpet, fit for any special occasion. After I hung up my coat in the cozy coatroom (which conisted of a 5x5 room with coat rack on the walls), entered my box, and stepped inside, my eyes were presently exposed to all the fancy artwork that adorned the walls, the comfy chairs, the spacious orchestra pit, and ultimately, the view that makes the opera worthwhile to see.
Finally, after a few minutes of patient waiting, the opera began with its first set – the cigarette factory outside Seville Spain. The scene was set up to look like a busy space full of people going about their busy ways. Also in this scene, we the audience at last got a glimpse of what the opera would be like, and the characters in it; like Carmen and Don Jose.
The second set was Lillas Pastia’s tavern. This scene was set much different than the previous one, with tables and chairs instead of shops. Here, Carmen and her gypsy friends danced for the drunken men and other soldiers, and we met other characters, such as Mercédès and Frasquita. Also, the egotistical Escamillo presented himself in the presumptuous only he could do.
By the third scene, everything took place outside. The moon shined ominously against the mountain on which Carmen’s smuggler friends did their scheming, and the tension between the characters presented itself much more intensely than before.
The last scene was the perfect ending to it all. The excitement and anticipation thrived in the bullring, where Escamillo was spoiled by all the attention, and Carmen was his accessory. The stage was set for all the drama that went on between Don Jose and Carmen, until the ending – Carmen’s demise.
Carmen’s costume was very distinct throughout the entire performance. Attired in flow-y dresses in bright shades of colors, it easily reflected Carmen’s bold attitude. Also, the costumes made Carmen stand out among the other girls in the opera. With Don Jose’s costume, it was the same deal. He looked quite distinguished amongst himself and the other soldiers.
Despite the fact that all the characters had their strengths and weaknesses, my favorite out of all of them was probably Carmen. I believe that without her, the play wouldn’t have been as dramatic. After all, she impacted the play so much with her love ‘em or leave ‘em type of personality. She gave the stage life.
On the other hand, Don Jose was my least favorite character. He was too easily influenced by Carmen that it seemed like he couldn’t make a decision without her. The unhealthy obsession with her was the only thing that lead to her death. I believe that if he listened to Micaëla and not Carmen, the opera would have been totally different.
Throughout the entire opera, the orchestra and the soloists complemented each other, harmoniously. Meticulous and painstaking detail seemed to have been put into making sure the music synchronized with the storyline. In my opinion, it gave the audience a sense of what the opera was about so that the audience could follow what was going on easily.
Bizet’s personality was reflected in the opera in several ways. During the performance, it seemed as though Bizet was emotionally torn and distressed. Maybe he, like Don Jose, loved someone who he couldn’t have. The frustration and anger in the opera almost suggested that Bizet’s attitude was just that – frustrated and angry.
My favorite part of the day was either at the huge state of Illinois building, where we ate lunch, or the box seats we sat in with the amazing view of the opera. Actually, going on the field trip itself was the best part – it was indeed a rather interesting was to spend my birthday. If I had to pick my least favorite part of the entire day, it would have been the bus ride there and back, or the rather long walk from the opera house to our bus. They were both too long and dull.
I would like to see another opera. After being exposed to all the cultural benefits the opera presented itself with, I wouldn’t think twice about seeing another one.