Hanoi (VNA) - Characters fromthe popular opera Carmen have performed as contemporary Vietnamesepeople by artists from Vietnam National Opera and Ballet (VNOB) at Hanoi OperaHouse on November 23 and 24.

The modern Carmen features about 150artists and musicians of the VNOB, Hanoi Voices Choir and Erato Children Choir.The opera was completed in 1874 based on the novel by Prosper Merimee. It wasthe last work of composer Georges Bizet.

Through music and dramatic melodies withSpanish elements, the composer told a tragic story and depicted a Gipsy womanwho is straightforward but wild. Swedish director Helena Rohr and set designerAnnsofi Nyberg will aim to bring one of the most popular and frequentlyperformed operas in the world closer to Vietnamese audience.

"This version of Carmen focuses on thetheme of domestic violence in today’s society, particularly towardswomen," said opera singer Thanh Binh. "The opera portrays Carmen as avictim rather than someone who is to blame for what happens - as is so oftenseen in more traditional versions."

"The director is skillful to tell thestory in contemporary society in Vietnam, so the audience will follow andunderstand the story, and connect it to their own lives," said Binh, whoplays Jose.

This Carmen is set inside a Vietnamesecigarette factory where the two main characters work. Carmen is from Hanoi andJose is from the northern province of Yen Bai.

Carmen decides to divorce Jose because heacts like a caveman. Becoming a single mother and facing many difficultiesdoesn’t get Carmen down, though her future is far from certain.

Huong Diep voices Carmen while Thanh Binhand Anh Vu do so for Jose. Manh Dung lends his voice to the toreador, whoin this version is a famous Thai boxer.

The artists sing in French and havedialogue in Vietnamese under the baton of conductor Dong Quang Vinh. The operadebuted at Hanoi Opera House to celebrate the building’s 100th anniversary in2011.-VNA