In focus: Kelley Abbey, Choreographer of Opera Australia’s Carmen
Exclusively for Age subscribers, we spoke to Kelley Abbey, one of Australia’s most accomplished choreographers and creative directors, on choreographing Opera Australia’s newest production, Bizet’s Carmen that is playing at Arts Centre Melbourne in May.
Plus, subscribers can enjoy an exclusive 20% off midweek performances of Carmen at Arts Centre Melbourne. Find out more about this fantastic offer here.
Kelley, can you tell us how you got into choreography within the performing arts?
Kelley Abbey: I guess you start to create steps when you teach. I was a junior teacher for my dance teacher Sandra Breen in Brisbane, from the age of 15. Choreographing professionally truly happened by accident. When I was 19, the choreographer didn’t turn up to a rehearsal for a gig, and everyone looked at me and said ‘You do it!’
Tell us about the kind of preparation that goes into choreographing an iconic opera such as Bizet’s Carmen.
KA: I studied and researched old Gypsy rhythms from the 20-30’s. I’m a big fan of contemporary Flamenco, so I added these newer rhythm patterns to this mix. I have had loads of experience in Arena productions, so I knew I needed to flesh out the movement and make it pop. I needed to flex a more athletic muscle so to speak, in order to read in this open air, proscenium free, very large forum. I also spend weeks listening to the score over and over.
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