📍Atatürk Cultural Center, Türk Telekom Opera Hall
📅 October 11, 15, 16, 18, 2025
⏰ 4 Acts / 130 Minutes
🎭 Istanbul State Opera and Ballet
Georges Bizet’s Carmen, one of the world’s most frequently performed operas, takes the stage at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) with the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet. Though met with heavy criticism at its 1875 Paris premiere, the work gained worldwide acclaim after Bizet’s death, cementing its place among the most powerful operas of the 19th century.
Directed by Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini and conducted by İbrahim Yazıcı, the production features choreography by Ayşem Sunal Savaşkurt, set design by Zeki Sarayoğlu, costume design by Ayşegül Alev and Gizem Betil, lighting design by Giovanni Pirandello, and dramaturgy by Ravivaddhana Monipong Sisowath. The Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Chorus is led by Paolo Villa, with the Children’s Chorus directed by Sercan Gazeroğlu.
Set in 1830s Seville, the story follows Carmen, a free-spirited and captivatingly beautiful Romani woman working in a tobacco factory, who seduces soldier Don José, pulling him away from his former life. As Carmen’s interest wanes and shifts to another, Don José succumbs to his passions, embarking on a path of no return.
This powerful tale of love and tragedy features:
Aylin Ateş — Carmen
Efe Kışlalı — Don José
Gülbin Günay — Micaëla
Murat Güney — Escamillo
Göktuğ Alpaşar — Zuniga
Emrah Erdem Gedik — Moralès
Anna Sirel Etyemez — Frasquita
Elif Tuğba Tekışık — Mercédès
Cengiz Arslan — Le Dancaïre
Çağrı Köktekin — Le Remendado
