The Car Man
Choreographer
About This Work
Matthew Bourne's The Car Man is one of contemporary dance theatre's most visceral and electrifying works. Transplanting the Carmen story to a 1960s American diner in the fictional Midwestern town of Harmony, the ballet follows the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Luca, whose explosive presence ignites dangerous passions — unleashing lust, greed, jealousy and murder. The score, adapted by Terry Davies from Rodion Shchedrin's Carmen Suite (itself based on Bizet), crackles with energy. Bourne's production is notable for its frank depictions of violence, sexuality and homoeroticism. First staged in Plymouth in 2000, it won the Evening Standard Award for Musical Event of 2000.
