Unique chance to enjoy Vietnamese Version of Carmen in Hanoi
The two hour newly adapted opera directed by Helena Rohr (Sweden) and performed by more than 150 artists, musicians and singers of Vietnam National Opera and Ballet is going to be on stage in Hanoi by the end of this September.
Venue: Hanoi Opera House
Time: 8 PM September 29th and 30th, 2025
Ticket Price (VND): 400,000/ 600,000/ 800,000 (approximately $17, $25, $35). Tickets can be purchased directly at the Hanoi Opera House, located at No. 1 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi.
The newly adapted opera, directed by Helena Rohr (Sweden), will be staged in Hanoi at the end of this September. The production features over 150 artists, musicians, and singers from the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet.
This contemporary version of *Carmen* diverges from the classical opera set in Seville, Spain. Instead, it tells the story of a female worker (portrayed by Vanh Khuyen) in a tobacco factory in Hanoi, situated against the backdrop of modern Vietnamese society.
In this rendition, the origins of the characters, their professions, behaviors, and modes of communication are creatively adapted to reflect current Vietnamese culture, while still preserving the essence and narrative spirit of the original opera.
A shared theme between both the classic and contemporary Carmens is the relentless pursuit of freedom. The original Carmen is depicted as a fiercely rebellious Gypsy girl longing for independence, while the reimagined Carmen is a struggling single mother battling against domestic violence.
Vanh Khuyen, a prominent opera artist in Vietnam, will take on the role of Carmen in this production. The lives of opera artists in Vietnam can be challenging, as the genre remains relatively unfamiliar to many in the country. However, Vanh Khuyen’s deep passion for the art form drives her commitment and has helped establish her as a leading figure in Vietnamese opera.
Having been performed last May, this version received high praise from critics and enjoyed popularity among audiences. It is once again being brought to the stage for opera enthusiasts in Hanoi this September.
