The Stories Behind Firebird & Carmen
An enchanted forest, a magical feather, and a woman determined to live on her own terms. The Georgia Ballet’s Firebird & Carmen brings two captivating stories to Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta, October 22–25. Featuring our professional ballet company and live orchestra, this production pairs the magi
c and hope of Firebird with the passion and drama of Carmen.
Knowing the stories before you arrive can help you follow the characters and recognize the choices that change their lives. Here is a closer look at each ballet and the fresh perspective behind our productions.
Familiar Stories with New Choreography
This program features the company premiere of Artistic Director Daet Rodríguez’s one-act Firebird and a newly choreographed Carmen with a new musical arrangement. With choreography by Daet Rodríguez and Ballet Mistress Margit Rodríguez, these familiar stories take on new life on The Georgia Ballet’s stage.
Daet brings his own twist to each ballet. In Firebird, the sorcerer’s power fades through acts of courage and kindness. In Carmen, his family-friendly interpretation preserves the story’s emotional depth while exploring the struggle between love, possession, and freedom.
Act I: Firebird
The story begins when Prince Ivan ventures into an enchanted forest and captures the magical Firebird. Moved by her beauty, he chooses to set her free. In gratitude, she gives him a magical feather that will summon her whenever he is in danger. This moment of kindness becomes the foundation of the story. By freeing the Firebird, Ivan gains an ally who will return when he needs her most.
As Ivan continues his journey, he encounters a group of princesses held captive by the evil sorcerer Kaschei. He falls in love with one of them, but freeing her means confronting the dark magic that controls the kingdom. When Kaschei discovers Ivan’s presence, he challenges and overpowers him. Ivan uses the feather to call upon the Firebird, who comes to his aid and weakens the sorcerer.
In Daet’s telling, Kaschei’s power is tied to a magical tree of golden apples. With each courageous and selfless act Ivan makes, the apples begin to lose their golden glow. As their light fades, Kaschei’s strength gradually disappears. This twist gives Ivan’s actions a visible consequence: his compassion and bravery help undo the enchantment.
During the final confrontation, the golden apples vanish completely, leaving Kaschei powerless. Ivan defeats him, the sorcerer’s kingdom collapses, and the curses are broken. The princesses, magical creatures, and everyone trapped by Kaschei’s enchantments are finally free.
With peace restored, Ivan marries the princess he loves, bringing the ballet to a joyful conclusion.
At its heart, Firebird is a story about how kindness can change the course of a life. Ivan’s decision to release the Firebird sets everything in motion, and his willingness to help others becomes his greatest strength.
Act II: Carmen
Carmen moves from an enchanted forest into a world of human relationships and difficult choices. A neoclassical adaptation of Georges Bizet’s opera, the ballet follows a free-spirited woman whose determination to live on her own terms collides with Don José’s growing obsession.
Daet’s version offers a family-friendly interpretation of the classic story while preserving its passion, dramatic tension, and emotional depth. The story opens in a cigarette factory, where Carmen becomes involved in an altercation. Don José, a disciplined sergeant, is tasked with guarding her. Drawn to Carmen, he abandons his duty, helps her escape imprisonment, and accepts the blame.
His decision changes the course of their lives. When Escamillo, a charismatic bullfighter, arrives, Carmen is drawn to his confidence and fame. Don José becomes consumed by jealousy and tries desperately to hold on to her. Carmen refuses to surrender her independence. As Don José’s desire becomes possessive, the tension between them builds toward a final confrontation that ends in tragedy.
Through his new choreography, Daet emphasizes the collision between desire, possession, and freedom. Watch how the relationships change throughout the ballet: Don José’s discipline gives way to obsession, while Carmen continues to insist on making her own choices. These shifts give the story its emotional force.
The Stories Come Alive with Live Orchestra
Live accompaniment by The Georgia Ballet Orchestra adds another dimension to both ballets. Igor Stravinsky’s music creates the magical atmosphere of Firebird, while Georges Bizet’s score carries the passion and mounting tension of Carmen.
Guest Conductor Gregory Pritchard will conduct Firebird, and Music Director Robert Trocina will conduct Carmen.
As the dancers tell the stories through movement, the orchestra helps audiences feel each moment of tenderness, danger, triumph, and conflict. Experiencing the dancers and musicians together in the theatre makes the storytelling especially immediate.
Why Come See Firebird & Carmen?
Whether you attend ballet regularly or are considering your first performance, these stories offer compelling characters and plenty to follow. You do not need to know ballet terminology to understand Ivan’s courage or recognize Carmen’s determination to remain independent. With new choreography, Daet’s interpretations, and live orchestral accompaniment, this production offers an opportunity to experience two familiar stories in a fresh way, right here in Marietta.
Join The Georgia Ballet October 22–25 at Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. The October 22 sensory-friendly performance features Firebird only; performances October 23–25 include both ballets.
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