Date: 4 September 2025
Time: 19:00 – 20:00
Venue: GH803, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Registration required, click here to register
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The lecture will explore the evolving portrayal of Carmen, tracing the transformation of this iconic character through three key works: Prosper Mérimée’s 1845 novella, Georges Bizet’s 1875 opera, and Peter Brook’s 1981 La Tragédie de Carmen. These works, spanning over a century, reflect not only distinct artistic forms and visions but also shifting cultural attitudes and societal perceptions, and audience expectations.
The lecture will analyze how Carmen is represented in various cultural contexts and as a cultural symbol. Multimedia materials will be shown as examples of the use of Carmen in these contexts.
Carmen 2025 is a captivating series of events celebrating the timeless allure of Bizet’s Carmen. Experience the passion of music and flamenco performances, alongside insightful opera talks and singing demonstrations. Discover what makes ‘Carmen’ a unique blend of diverse European influences, with its vibrant Spanish setting, the evocative French libretto and Bizet’s masterful composition, which innovates an art form deeply rooted in Italian tradition. This program offers a unique opportunity to delve into the cultural and artistic significance of one of opera’s most enduring masterpieces.
About the Speaker
Paola Tiberii is a musicologist, lexicographer, and translator. She is the author of the Dizionario delle collocazioni, published by Zanichelli, a comprehensive reference work on Italian word combinations. She recently translated Prosper Mérimée’s novella Carmen into Italian. Ms. Tiberii is regularly invited by universities and cultural institutions to give lectures, lead workshops, and conduct seminars on a range of topics, including musicology, language interaction, lexical proficiency, and innovative methods for foreign language teaching.