Since its world premiere in February 2003, Carmen has toured across Canada twice and internationally three times. Alberta Ballet was the only company representing Canada when invited to perform Carmen at the first Beijing International Dance Festival in 2004.

One of literature’s most powerful and mythical feminist figures comes to life in Grand-Maître’s Carmen. Inspired by Prosper Mérimée’s original French novella and Georges Bizet’s opera, the piece traces seduction and obsession to an ill-fated dramatic climax. “This is a story of a woman rebelling against a patriarchal society,” states Grand-Maître. “Her uncompromising lust for freedom and her staunch refusal to submit to any authority has transformed Carmen into a timeless and mythical character.”

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Maurice Ravel’s Boléro, also choreographed by Grand-Maître. Ravel’s love for the intensity and fearless character of the Spanish culture is eloquently expressed through this rousing composition.

“Boléro is one of the most powerful scores ever written for ballet” says Grand-Maître, “I have always been attracted to its mighty and hypnotic crescendo. It is the most incredible rush of adrenaline classical music can offer and scored by one of the most brilliant orchestrators there ever was. Inspired by Guillermo del Toro’s film Pan’s Labyrinth, I decided to create a duel between good and evil and to set this confrontation in a semi-abstract world, populated with individuals who seem oblivious to the life and death battle that will seal their fate as well.”

Calgary audiences can enjoy Carmen & Boléro from May 7th to 9th at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, and Edmonton performances run May 12th and 13th at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets are available as low as $34. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit albertaballet.com.