Men are from Mars
Interview |
Are Carmen and Don José fundamentally incompatible or could there be a dimension in which they live "happily ever after"?
I think that, as so often in the world, timing is the most important thing. They just met at the wrong time. Maybe it would work out a few years later, when Carmen has had her fill. Because, in my opinion, they are fundamentally suited to each other: It's not for nothing that they fall in love with each other, but ... the wrong time!
What qualities do you discover in yourself that overlap with Don José?
I would say that I have very little in common with him, I'm more like Werther. Perhaps there are certain points of contact in terms of his seriousness and consistency - but not very many. His madness, this hot-headedness, that's all alien to me. I'm simply more down-to-earth than Don José, even if something can get me on the edge now and again.
Are Carmen and Don José suitable for a relationship in the long term - if they each found the right person?
As answered in the first question: Carmen is currently looking for adventure, and Don José ultimately wants a relationship, they are two different pairs of shoes. I do believe that both are capable of a relationship, but, as I said, only if the timing is right.
Who would you rather spend an evening with: the character of Carmen or that of Don José?
That's an interesting question! I think Carmen is a fascinating woman, so yes, rather with her! Because Don José is a bit shy and outgoing for me, I find that more difficult. On the other hand, it could be an interesting evening if I were to sit at the bar with him and a bottle of tequila. That could lead to some interesting conversations.
Is there "the" moment in opera for you?
Actually my flower aria. He reveals all his feelings. It's all the more shocking when Carmen replies: "No, you don't love me!" That's when the story gets going because, apart from the duet at the end, it's the only moment in which he really reveals himself. And shows what emotions are driving him.
Which book would you recommend to Don José?
Something that brings him down to earth and calms him down. Maybe men are from Mars, women are from Venus. That might help him. After that, he would probably move on with Micaëla.
Don José is ultimately an egoist. Is that an aspect that interests you?
Selfish ... I don't know ... Don José is prepared to give up a lot in his attempts to bind Carmen to him in order to be able to live with her. But they are self-centered! They don't just think of themselves, but they believe that everything revolves around them and must revolve around them!