Wu Tsang Reimagines the Tragedy of ‘Carmen’ in Barcelona

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As a connoisseur of contemporary art, immersed in the vibrant tapestry of cultural narratives and their transformations, I find myself captivated by Wu Tsang’s “La gran mentira de la muerte.” Having traversed the labyrinthine world of operatic interpretations, I must say that this reimagining of Carmen is a breathtaking revelation.

Within the Gothic chapel at MACBA’s Capella, artist Wu Tsang revisualizes the tale of Carmen with luminous movement. Drawing distinct thematic ideas from Georges Bizet’s initial work, “The big lie of death (La gran mentira de la muerte)” delves into and challenges the piece’s underlying themes. It blends the performance of death rituals with the eerie customs of cinema.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share my take on the enigmatic opera created in 1875. Instead of following the traditional route of the heroine’s tragic destiny as portrayed by Bizet, this work by Tsang immerses us in an elusive journey towards escape. The video and multichannel sound installation subtly whispers feelings of possibility even when confronted with death. It skillfully captures the essence of life through dance choreography that draws inspiration from flamenco and bullfighting customs. With a heartfelt yearning, Tsang invites us to explore an alternate route where mythology can be reborn with a new breath of life.

Exploring the violent themes of cinematic portrayal and storytelling, her latest work, titled “La gran mentira de la muerte,” uses captivating performances to delve into these topics. This film is a part of a larger project based on Carmen, which encompasses an innovative blend of opera and theater that had its premiere at the Schauspielhaus Zürich earlier this year.

The film is now on view at MACBA in Barcelona through November 3, 2024.

Capella MACBA
Plaça dels Àngels, 1,
08001, Barcelona

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2024-10-28 23:55