Carmen Abroad: Bizet's Opera on the Global Stage

This book explores the transnational history of Bizet's Carmen, tracing its performance and reception across different cultures and regions, from the old world to the new and back again. It examines three stages of cultural transfer and how the opera appealed to audiences in diverse geographical and artistic contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 385 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive transnational history delves into the captivating journey of Bizet's Carmen, exploring its performance and reception across the ages. From the old world to the new and back again, this narrative unveils the opera's enduring presence and popularity, shedding light on its ever-evolving and resituated nature. Spanning three pivotal stages of cultural transfer, this book delves into the opera's establishment in the repertoire, its captivating performances, translations, adaptations, and appropriations in Europe, the Americas, and Australia. It also delves into its cultural impact in Soviet Russia, Japan during the era of Westernization, southern, regionalist France, and Carmen's homeland, Spain. As the volume unfolds, readers will gain a profound understanding of how Bizet's opera swiftly traversed the globe, captivating audiences in diverse geographical, artistic, and political contexts.

Introduction:
Carmen, composed by Georges Bizet in 1875, has become a modern myth and its heroine, Carmen, a symbol of passion and rebellion. This transnational history delves into the opera's journey from its Parisian premiere to its global reach, examining its enduring presence and popularity.

Stage 1: Establishment in the Repertoire:
The opera's establishment in the repertoire marked the beginning of its journey. It was first performed in Paris in 1875 and quickly gained popularity, captivating audiences with its vibrant music, dramatic storyline, and iconic characters.

Stage 2: Performance, Translation, Adaptation, and Appropriation:
Carmen's performance, translation, adaptation, and appropriation across Europe, the Americas, and Australia showcased its adaptability and cultural significance. It was translated into various languages, adapted to different artistic mediums, and appropriated into various cultural contexts, resonating with diverse audiences.

Stage 3: Cultural Work in Soviet Russia, Japan, Southern, Regionalist France, and Carmen's Homeland:
Carmen's cultural work in Soviet Russia, Japan, southern, regionalist France, and Spain further enriched its legacy. It was celebrated as a symbol of national identity in Soviet Russia and Japan, while it also influenced regionalist movements in France and Spain.

Conclusion:
This transnational history of Carmen provides a fresh perspective on the opera's enduring presence and popularity. It sheds light on the ways in which it has traversed the globe, captivating audiences in diverse geographical, artistic, and political contexts. By examining the opera's cultural transfer, this book offers valuable insights into the ways in which art can transcend boundaries and shape cultural identities.

ISBN-13: 9781108723039