The opera Carmen is visiting the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham—but there is still one part to cast.
Director / producer Ellen Kent is looking for a donkey to bring a genuine feel of Spain to the production.
The animal will appear in the market scene in act one and will also carry smugglers’ goods through the mountains in act three.
Ellen Kent spent her teenage years in Andalucia and her mother ran the Spanish equivalent of the RSPCA, travelling to remote villages in the mountains to rescue donkeys destined to be killed.
For performances of Carmen she is using rescue donkeys from sanctuaries close to each venue.
Ellen Kent said, “This production is about bringing the heat, the passion and the sensuous intensity of Spain to life on stage.
“In some venues we’re using a white Andalucian stallion. But what could be more Spanish than incorporating a donkey into the performance.”
Sadie Williams, who has been co-ordinating the donkeys, said, “We’ve had a great response in many areas and often the donkeys are quite used to the spotlight, having appeared in nativities or Palm Sunday parades.
“But for some reason we’re struggling to find a suitable donkey for Birmingham.”
Carmen will be at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham on Saturday, 2 March.