- An Inside Look at Carmen
- with Paata Tsikurishvili, Irina Tsikurishvili and Philip Fletcher
- Interviewed by Joel Markowitz
After sweeping this year’s Helen Hayes Awards, there is great anticipation for Synetic Theater’s upcoming production of Carmen at the Kennedy Center. Director Paata Tsikurishvilli, choreographer and actress Irina Tsikurishvilli playing Carmen, and actor Philip Fletcher, playing one of Carmen’s love interests, take a break from rehearsals to tell us about the production.
Not content with the Bizet opera version of the story, Synetic returned to the source: an 1846 novella by Prosper Mériméé. Paata explains why, describes the unique look and sound of the show and when describing the exciting score, announced: “This production is a step up for us. For the first time we will have three musicians performing on stage.”
Irina talks about her choreography, her approach to the role of Carmen, and how the audience has to “work with us” to experience this exciting and fiery production.
Philip relives his recent Helen Hayes win (Outstanding Supporting Actor), how he was discovered by Synetic and reveals some of the exciting scenes from Carmen.
Includes portions of two new tracks from Carmen.
Listen here.
Lovely interview, Joel. Just beautiful the way you’ve drawn out Paata and Irina and Philip. Having trained and performed as a dancer once upon a long time ago, I’ve always felt such a kinesthetic bond with what the Synetic does. Based on MacBeth, R&J, and everything they do, the entire company embodies the joy of performing. We really look forward. Rosalind