Captivating new production of Carmen highlights femicide and power games

Captivating new production of Carmen highlights femicide and power games

On June 21, 2025, a very special production of Georges Bizet's opera “Carmen” will be performed at the Lübeck City Theater. The Paris-born film, which premiered at the Opéra-Comique in 1875, serves as a powerful metaphor for addressing issues such as femicide and toxic masculinity. In this interpretation by Philipp Himmelmann, the murder of Carmen takes center stage and is identified as a prototypical femicide rooted in a patriarchal power relationship. The murder of the strong, self-determined Carmen – who rebels against bourgeois role models – is staged as an inevitable event.

The portrayal of Don José as a psychologically injured but inexcusable character in particular creates profound reflections. Konstantinos Klironomos is convincing in this role and impressively highlights the ambivalence of the relationship between him and Carmen. Ieva Prudnikovaite perfectly conveys both the strength and vulnerability of her character, while Evmorfia Metaxaki offers a complex and nuanced performance as Michaëla.

A contemporary topic

The production addresses a problem that is also worryingly present in reality. Femicide, the killing of a woman because of her gender, is often not impulsive but rather meticulously planned. Current research shows that 155 women in Germany were killed by their (ex-)partner in 2023. These frightening figures make it clear that violence against women is a problem across society that is closely linked to hierarchical gender relations. This is pointed out by bpb.de.

The topic of femicide in particular is grippingly conveyed in the production of “Carmen”. The need for interdisciplinary risk management is highlighted in order to identify and combat violent patterns at an early stage. Decisive measures such as systematic risk analyzes and established chains of intervention can help get the problem under control. As the [frauenhauskoordinierung.de](https://www.frauenhauskoordinierung.de/themenportal/polizei-gegen-frauen/wolke Formen/femizide) emphasizes, long-term prevention of femicide is only possible through a holistic approach that also offers legal and social protection for women in violent situations.

Art as a mirror of society

Dieter Richter's set supports these profound themes through a spartan design that gives the production a clear, powerful aesthetic. The philharmonic orchestra under the direction of Stefan Vladar impresses with its rhythmic precision and tonal flexibility, which gives additional emphasis to the emotional content of the opera. Jacob Scharfman in particular as Escamillo highlights the ambivalence of male role models and thus stimulates thought.

This production not only presents an opera, but also a contemporary examination of power relations and patriarchal claims to ownership. The ensemble receives a standing ovation, which impressively underlines the relevance and emotional impact of the topic. The evening promises to be not only a cultural experience, but also a platform for important social discussions.