The Place, London
October 5, 2021
Jose Agudo’s short dramatic Carmen pulls focus on the characters of Mérimée’s story drawing each with penetrating depth and clarity. Narrative detail is superfluous but the emotional punch is a knockout. The tempestuous dance, coming straight from the heart, makes the blood and sweat tangible.
Carmen, a magnificent performance from Nikita Goile, treads with absolute certainty the fine line between life and death, balancing danger against the enticing freedom of those who live beyond the pale. Her body language tells it all. In the sensual entwining of her arms and her liberated animal grace, she is a creature of nature, untutored in fakery and an intuitive survivor.
Photo Vipul Sangoi
Don Jose, Joshua Scott, is another deftly drawn character. An anti-hero, law enforcer turned law breaker, he is treated with various levels of distrust but while Carmen finds him desirable, his protection is ensured. A master of the game, she seductively drapes her shawl over her body as she draws him into her web. Their duet is wild and unconventional, driven by urgency and passion. The drama is heightened as Carmen switches her affections in an instant to welcome the triumphant Escamilio (Luke Watson), callously ditching her distraught lover.
The fierceness of the testosterone fuelled fight between Escamilio and Don Jose, is sharpened by jealousy and the pain of rejection. Agudo choreographs the fights with skill distinguishing between spats and a fight for survival. The movements, innovative and original, make the danger real. The final fatal encounter with Don Jose and Carmen is terrifying in its intensity as he swings her like a rag doll before squeezing the life out of her. The tension stays at high pitch as he cradles her body in torment at the consequence of his actions.
The richness of Agudo’s choreography is testament to his broad knowledge of dance. Flamenco is paramount and the bare feet stamping the earth finds resonance with Bernard Schimpelsberger’s rhythmic crashing of metal on stone. As the guitar enters, intricate rhythms drive the dance in seemingly improvised outbursts danced with authentic fervour by the company. It’s feral, dangerous and wonderful to watch.
Outcasts from polite society, the Romas have their own conventions. The hierarchy is hard fought and fiercely defended with Carmen marking her territory and holding the reins. Her supremacy accepted, blows softened into banter and affections cross the gender divide. Her murder demands retribution, and it comes in a surprise ending with a knife thrust leaving a stage of keening bodies. It is a remarkable performance from a company that punches well above its weight.
Jose Agudo’s Carmen continues on tour. Visit www.joseagudo.co.uk for dates and venues.