Carmen, Cuba and revolution
The musical “Carmen La Cubana” celebrated its 100th performance at SAIC Shanghai Culture Square this Thursday. Shanghai is the only stop in Asia. The show will run until December 23.
Set in Cuba in 1958 when the country was in the shadow of revolution, the ambitious production transforms Carmen from a Gypsy girl in the original opera to a Cuban woman. But her fearlessness, pursuit of freedom and capriciousness remains.
The story features Carmen from Santiago de Cuba. She dreams of a better life and thirsts for romance. The young soldier José is deeply captivated by her beauty and assaults a military officer for her. The couple flee to the capital city, Havana, where Carmen indulges in nightlife and becomes infatuated with a Cuban boxer.
The role of the boxer replaces the toreador called Escamillo in the original version. Another change in the character is the addition of La Señora, acting as a narrator.
“I didn’t completely understand the musical until I came to Havana," says Matthew Cole, assistant director.
"Walking on the streets, I found that a group of people who might not know each other were beating the drums and dancing in a corner.
"Around 10 minutes later, they spread out. It is just like a drama. The passion is rooted in their nature."
Drawing inspiration from the 1954 American musical film “Carmen Jones”, the sizzling new musical directed by Christopher Renshaw is embedded with Latin culture.
Directed by Hector Martignon, a Colombian pianist and composer, the music is flavored with authentic Cuban elements like Mambo and Cha-cha.
Apart from the classic rhythm, this version of “Carmen” also features a new song “Oye Mi Ritmo de Tambor”, or “Beat That Drum” in English.
It is created by Alex Lacamoire who is also the music director, orchestrator and conductor for the Broadway hit “Hamilton”.
A 14-person band plays live music behind the scene.
Info
Date: Through December 23, 2pm (Saturdays and Sundays), 7:30pm
Tickets: 80-880 yuan
Venue: SAIC Shanghai Culture Square
Address: 597 Fuxing Rd M.
Tel: 6472-9000
