The well-known opera follows the story of Carmen, an unscrupulous gypsy whose love actually leads to her death.

This will be the first flamenco-style production of Carmen to be presented in Shanghai.

"This old dance must be reformed to cater to the modern taste," said Paco Morla, director of the troupe, "So I merged the element of opera with it."

Flamenco is very popular in Spain, where people old and young enjoy dancing.

"The place that needs the art most is not Spain," said Paco Morla, "but the places outside Spain."

As director and stage designer of the troupe, Paco Morla has won prizes for his excellent stage designs, such as the Best Creation Award in Spain and the Championship of Design for Dance Design in Madrid.

"The art of flamenco is an art full of confusion," he said. "I am always attempting to combine flamenco with Bizet's music. It is the world-class dance design that gives me the inspiration."

(Shanghai Star 09/04/2001)