Overview

• The revival of Damiano Michieletto’s Carmen at the Royal Opera House has gained strength and discipline since its divisive debut last year.
• Set in an updated late 20th-century context, the production emphasizes emotional intensity through modernized staging and lighting design.
• Freddie de Tommaso as Don José and Aigul Akhmetshina as Carmen deliver standout performances, with Akhmetshina hailed as a defining Carmen of her generation.
• Sir Mark Elder’s expert musical direction brings out the dramatic nuances of Bizet’s score, earning widespread praise for its precision and depth.
• While the revival has been largely celebrated, some critics note issues with pacing and staging details, particularly in Act One and certain set elements.