PROJECT BACKGROUND
In the opera, shadiness is rendered through contrast between light and shadow. The first act takes place in the streets of Seville, where guards patrol and a brawl breaks out among female tobacco factory workers. Carmen, a Spanish gypsy girl who dares to love and hate, is driven by lust and has dated many men. Out of her crush on Corporal Don José, she does everything in her power to get José to fight and break the military law, thus forcing him to flee. José gradually falls in love with Carmen and becomes submissive to her.
PROJECT CONCEPT
With red, gold, and black as the main colours, Carmen wears a 16-17th century corset. While the concept of roses is applied to her lower body, the skirt is decorated with layers of roses, representing the girl’s flamboyance wherever she goes. A layer of black lace is added on top to resemble the spreading smoke and dust in her work environment.
