For my family, especially for my mother, it’s kind of a tradition to attend the opera premiere at Bregenz Festival. Not only because the floating stage in the Lake of Constance is famous for being a masterpiece of stage design, also because the atmosphere by sitting in this huge open-air-amphitheatre, with a view on our calm hometown lake and listening to an opera, is truly unique. Let me tell you, why this year’s performance of “Carmen” was even more mindblowing.
Fireworks, bull fights and rising water
“Carmen” by Georges Bizet is one of the most beloved and well-known operas in the world. And trust me, even if you’re not too much into operas, you’ll recognize mostly all of the songs. But despite this, director Kaspar Holten restages bull fights, fireworks, climbing the facades and surreal projections, to fascinate you as well.
Because at Bregenz Festival, the stage isn’t only a scenery. Even though, some of you might know this stage already as being part of the James Bond movie “Quantum of Solace”. The exciting thing is, that the lake itself is part of the production. This time, the front of the stage lowers to create the impression of water rising. And in Act II you’ll witness an impressive water dance performance. At the premiere, we had really bad weather unfortunately. And wondered why the show starts, despite the pouring rain. Soon we found out: Because the actors got wet anyways.
A swimming Carmen
And no spoiler, everyone has probably seen a Carmen dying in the end. But who has seen a swimming one? Bregenz Festival is always full of surprises when it comes to adapting the original play. And funny fact, one of the three actors, who play Carmen, can’t swim. So when she is on the run, you’ll see if you can spot the one hesitating to jump into the water.
Dresses to die for
Of course, for me as a fashion editor, I’ll always have an extra eye on the costumes. Well done by star designer Es Devlin, who usually dresses Lady Gaga and Kanye West. At the end of the play in 2018, there will be a big sell-out of all the dresses and scenery stuff. Guess who will wait at the entrance?
This opera is indeed for everyone
The opera will be played until end of summer 2018. And the best thing, everyone will find a ticket for his price range. Tickets start at only 30€ and go up to premium seats for 350€.
Get your tickets here: bregenzerfestspiele.com/