Melbourne City Ballet’s artistic director, Michael Pappalardo, reimagines Carmen to Bizet’s famous score to bring to life an evocative opera ballet paying homage to the well-known Spanish inspired tragedy. 

Carmen tells the story of a city policeman, Don Jose, whose mother calls him to return home to marry childhood sweetheart Micaela, but a chance encounter with the enchanting gypsy girl, Carmen, leads them both into a relationship of both passion and destruction.

Pappalardo’s Carmen is designed to be a loud and bold affair, choreographed by Michael Pappalardo with music by Bizet.

Stolen by Jane Harrison at Capitol Theatre will be performed over two performances on Thursday, June 14 at 12.30 and 7.30pm. On the 20th anniversary of its premiere season, this timely revival of her landmark play is as powerful today as it was for its very first audience.

Stolen interweaves the stories of five children taken from their families – Ruby, Jimmy, Shirley, Sandy and Ann. Their stories are from different times and places, but they interact with each other as if their experiences were shared. Theirs are the stories of many.

Wiradjuri director Vicki Van Hout’s critically acclaimed production is vibrant and inventive, with endearing characters and plenty of humour.

With endearing characters and plenty of humour, Stolen is ultimately a play about love and loss, resilience and hope. As we recognise that more Indigenous children are being removed today than at any other time in Australian history, this contemporary retelling is a thoughtful and moving reminder of our past and our present that will resonate long after you return home.

Contains coarse language and adult themes. Recommended age: 15 years plus.

To book your seats, visit entertainmentvenues.com.au, call 6766 2028, or visit the box office at Capitol Theatre and The Big Golden Guitar.