Carmen (1949 ballet)

Carmen is a ballet created by Roland Petit and his company ‘Les Ballets de Paris’ at the Prince's Theatre in London on 21 February 1949 which has entered the repertory of ballet companies in France and around the world.[1] This version is in five scenes and represents a striking admixture of classical ballet, Spanish-style movement, mime, and freshly invented dramatic dance action.[2]

The original designs and costumes were by Antoni Clavé. The music is taken from the 1875 opéra comique of the same name by Georges Bizet, arranged and orchestrated by Tommy Desserre. The scenario is based on the 1845 novella by Prosper Mérimée. The principal roles were created by Petit's wife Zizi Jeanmaire (Carmen), Roland Petit (Don José) and Serge Perrault (Le Toréador). Over 5,000 performances of the work were given around the world over its first 50 years.[1]

Original cast

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Carmen at the Roland Petit website Accessed 7 June 2012
  2. ↑ Walter Terry, Ballet Guide, 1976, p. 76
  3. ↑ "Carmen: Opening Night Cast". Playbillvault.com. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  4. ↑ Distribution taken from Programme, Ballet National de Marseille Roland Petit, 1980-81 season.