Opera at Theatrical Theatre - Carmen at the Royal Albert Hall

On one weekend in the beginning of Spring, I had a nice surprise to visit the Royal Albert Hall to watch Carmen, a Spanish-based French opera that has been loved for more than a century.

The architecture of the Hall was spectacular as expected - which at the same time proposed a challenge to the actual performance not to be absorbed by the overwhelming venue, especially with the disadvantage of being very far away from most of the audiences! Also, it was very culturally specific experience to watch the passionate story line of the opera being performed in reserved accent of English, in the Victorian theatre.

Although it was very enjoyable experience and performance (including the brilliant singing and theatre arts), it is possible that the actual performance of the opera was rather drowned in the theatricality of the theatre - the Royal Albert Hall. As to the idea of works of art best seen in a white cube, an opera like this might have been best to be watched in a rather minimalist hall, or a hall that is culturally specific to the content of the opera, in this case, Spain.


Though, I have to say, I loved the view of threes hanged in the ceiling and once again pulled down to the ground...!!!