Preview: Carmen

A tragic love triangle between a beautiful and free-spirited Roma woman, a possessive soldier and a dashing bullfighter is what most people know of Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen. Even those not familiar with the famous tale of love and jealousy will probably recognise the passionate guitars of the musical masterpieces that accompany it, such as the Habanera and the Toreador. If you’re still drawing a blank, then educate yourself at the Gran Teatre del Liceu by catching Calixto Bieito’s new interpretation of the classic opera. Better still, arrive early and attend one of the informative sessions that will be held in the foyer 45 minutes before each show. Can’t face confining yourself inside on a summer’s evening for all four acts? Then get yourself to Plaça del Mar at the platja de Sant Sebastian in Barceloneta, where the performance will be shown on a large screen as part of the theatre’s policy to try and reach larger audiences.

Teatre del Liceu, July 21st, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th and 30th, 2011. www.liceubarcelona.cat