Carmen Synopsis

Carmen stands alone in the center of the bullring where she is judged by those around her. At the changing of the guards, Jose and Zuniga, Jose's superior to whom he is fiercely loyal, enter. Jose and the flirtatious Carmen are attracted to each other. A fight breaks out among the disapproving women and Carmen. Ultimately, Carmen is sentenced to jail and is escorted away by Jose. She convinces Jose to release her, promising to meet him later at the tavern. Reflecting on his insubordination for the love of Carmen, Jose becomes introspective.

At the tavern where she is to meet Jose, Carmen sees Escamillo, the most popular bullfighter of the day. A strong chemistry exists between them, as does a clash of wills. Escamillo is a challenge to Carmen. As the pas de quatre begins, Carmen finds herself alone and confused. She sees all three men - Jose, Zuniga, and Escamillo - in conflict. Jose and Carmen dance a pas de deux expressing their love for each other. Later, Carmen turns to her tea leaves and tarot cards for comfort. As the Fate motif sounds again, Carmen's destiny converges with that of the bull. In the final scene, Carmen charges into the arena where she finds Jose. As Escamillo kills the bull, Carmen's fate is sealed at the hand of Jose, for whom all of life's essence slips away.