NHCC News:

In conjunction with Opera Southwest, the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is proud to present one of the most popular and controversial operas of our time, with a twist. Carmen – En Español opens Saturday, May 4 at the Center.

Carmen – En Español. Georges Bizet’s famous opera shocked French audiences when it was initially performed, with its controversial themes of rebellion, immorality, and the tragic death of the opera’s main character. 

Carmen revolves around a passionate love triangle between Carmen, a seductive cigarette girl, Don Jose, a solider, and Escamillo, a handsome bullfighter. Despite Don Jose’s efforts to resist her charms, he succumbs to Carmen’s enchantment, resulting in his downfall and Carmen’s demise.

The presentation of Carmen will be in Spanish. The translation, by Eduardo de Bray, dates back to 1904 and comes from a Barcelona zarzuela company. 

Tickets range from $22 to $105, with discounts for groups of 8 or more, anyone 30 years old and younger and Opera for All with a WIC or EBT card. Visit nhccnm.org/events to learn more and register. 

The show runs Saturday, May 4 through Sunday, May 12. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and both Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. 

The opera’s popularity and the main character’s notoriety left lasting impressions on audiences for decades. And the translation brings the famous story to an entirely new audience. See it for yourself at the National Hispanic Cultural Center!