#untamed #overmand

During Cultura Nova 2026, Opera Compact, in co-production with the municipality of Beekdaelen, Cultura Nova and PLT Theatres, presents perhaps the most beloved opera of all time: Carmen!

At the special Equine Park in Hulsberg, you will experience Bizet's masterpiece like never before. The audience sits on stands in the sand, as if you were in the middle of an arena in Seville. With an impressive orchestra, a passionate cast and volunteers from the municipality of Beekdaelen, this iconic opera comes to life.

Carmen

A story we think we know. About love, desire and jealousy. But under the surface lurks something else. Directed by up-and-coming talent Eva Custers, the perspective shifts and shows how innocent victims fall in the clash of power and freedom. A clash in which no one can give way without losing themselves.

From the very first moment, an irresistible attraction develops between Carmen and Don José. What begins as desire tilts when that desire turns into possession. Carmen chooses freedom: Don José cannot bear that choice. We feel how freedom chafes and love slowly turns into a power play. It is not romantic passion that causes the tragedy, but the inability to let freedom exist.

Reduced to the core, with a live ensemble of 12 musicians, Opera Compact performs Bizet's compelling music untamed and fiery at the cutting edge.

Sung in French with Dutch surtitles.

Programme

Bizet - Carmen

Opera Compact

Directed by Eva Custers
Conductor: Enrico Delamboye
Stage design: Lobke Houkes
Dramaturgy: Sybrand van der Werf

Carmen: Lucie van Ree
Don José: Deniz Yilmaz
Escamillo: Wiebe-Pier Cnossen
Micaëla: Fenna Ograjensek
Frasquita: Sara Wijlaars
Mercédès: Jasperina Verheij

Carmen Opera Compact