The play being discussed is The Dallas Opera’s Carmen which was originally written and directed by David McVicar with the assistance of Jack Furness as the assistant director. The Dallas opera also witnessed the same directors but with a slight change in the crew members but the same setting and production. The play was performed on 19th and 21st October and is slated to be performed again on 24th October this year. The costumes which were used by the characters were designed Sue Blane, set design by Michael Vale, lighting designers were Clare O'Donoghue, wig and makeup were facilitated by Dawn Rivard while Alexander Rom acted as Chorusmaster. Carmen is a four-act that was composed by French composer George Bitez and was first performed by opera Comique in 1875. It is an infamous gypsy that features seductive Bizet and warns men that she cannot be tamed despite attracting them at the first eyesight.
Even though this play s extremely old with over one hundred years since it was written and first performed it still present an interesting storyline that emulates current world issues. It embraces humanity socialization and liberation of women by employing the woman as the main character with a choice on who to relate under own conditions. With the kind of setting the play was played at, the performer and their acting skills presented a memorable illusion on my heart. This kind of illusion is likely to reside lifetime duration and keeps me yearning for more of the play.
The set of the production clearly depicted the intend information of the play. With an alley or arranged seats which were filled those who had shelled out had extra bucks for the festive promenaded texture of couture. The set allows accommodation outside into Klyde Warren Park where a crowd of around 3000 watched the live simulcast. Characters moving across the state were clearly visible by all audience and the cutouts allowed one to clearly see the main character walk out of the stage. A good example is when the cigar rate girl emerges from the curtain and exchanges banter with LA cloche. The way the girl present the cigar rate with humor makes this scene one of my favorite in the play. In general, the producers clearly took into great depth to present a conducive set for the play not only to entertain the audience but to convey the indented message. In the play, different props were used to signify different themes and events. The first was cigarette which signified the setting error of the play and women role in the society. The letter which Jose was given is a clear indication of lack of technology, is his mother ought to call him instead of sending Miceala to deliver by hand. A piece of knife that was used to attack a woman symbolized the kind of weapon that was common during that time.
The lighting from the introduction of the first character was intended to create the mood depending on the theme of the specific cast and transition to the next cast. The lighting symbolizes a sign of love and sex which is the key theme n the play. They change from brighter to dim depending on the cast theme at play making the stage reflect the kind of light is lit. they metaphases a sign of hope which comes with love and sex.
The costumes of the play were periodical costumes, a style of clothes that were worn by men and women during the industrial revolution period in Europe. Since the play is set on industrial areas they do not look new or uniform but each had different design and color to depict people from different households and with different perfective of life. A memorable costume is that of Micaela; Jose despite receiving a letter from his mother instructing him to go and marry, he can't resist himself from being attracted to her. The cloth design reflected the social status each held in the society and the kind of basic activities they execute in their lifetime. In general, the costumes went well with the set a factor which made conveying the message essay throughout the play. The makeup in the play more so on the female characters met the occasion. The nail polish, mouth lipstick and eyelashes clearly depicted the kind of theme the directors wanted to convey. The theme of feminism was portrayed by the female character application of different makeups that clearly depicted their role in the society . in act four Carmen wear seductive clothes in combination with sex mouth and nail colors that Escamillio admired and fell in love with.
Sound played a critical role in the play from the begging to the end. The play started with fine tunes from a combination of the different musical instrument to inform the audience on the begging of the music. Different characters during the play sung different songs as a sign of rebellion or love to the different scenario that occurred during the play. In act one prelude provide the rhythm of transition from scene to another. In general, the sound produced by the actors during the play was clearly audible to the audience for they had the ability to access microphone which was connected to the theatre speakers.
The acting, in general, presents well though scenario indulged with creativity and modernity. T combined both the old aspect of entertainment and modern technology to help the audience relate with the theme being discussed at a specific time.
In conclusion, the play presents an interesting piece to watch that I would like other people to watch and enjoy the same cinerary. The characterization although based on the ancient world, captures the problems faced by different people in the current world in their attempt to live a comforting life.
