Passionate, intense, and rhythmic, flamenco is a delight for the eyes and the ears on its own, but in Karen Flamenco's production of Carmen, the combination of Spanish dance and the orchestral stylings of Nicholas Urquart's 20-piece I Musici Sushi Chamber Orchestra takes the well-known story of a gypsy love triangle to another level.

The Straight met with Karen Pitkethly, Karen Flamenco's artistic director, at a dress rehersal earlier this week, and she said that the show will provide audiences with a treat for the senses.

"Traditionally, yes, Carmen's been done by operas and by ballets. It has a flamenco aspect to it, being that the story comes from Sevilla, so there's a lot of Spanish influences within the story, which makes it perfect for flamenco," said Pitkethly. 

"What we're doing to make it a little bit different is that we're incorporating the Carmen suites, which is a more classical approach, so its traditional flamenco, which is a little more raw... and then we have the orchestra playing the suites."

Pitkethly is joined on stage by 11 company dancers, a traditional flamenco guitarist and singer, and Vancouver actor and fan favourite Gerardo Avila. Carmen will run for two evening shows at the Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton Street). Watch the video above for a preview. For info and tickets to the show, click here.