U-Carmen e-Khayelitsha (2005)

Carmen is one of the best known and widely loved of all operas. Some see opera as a rather distant and high-brow entertainment. This film is quite a different experience! The singing is sublime, the acting dramatic and filled with energy and enthusiasm. The location is grim and poor whilst brimming with life.

I look forward to the DVD where it would be possible to turn off the subtitles - they are well done, but it would be nice to watch it a second time without their intrusion.

It is remarkable how Xhosa lends itself to operatic singing - particularly with such gifted opera singers.

I'd recommend it to anybody who loves music, enjoys a spectacle or is interested in South Africa - well, Cape Town, or a part of Cape Town, at any rate!