Four years after the Battle of Manila, a faded movie poster bearing the image of Carmen still hangs inside a damaged theater. That is where Areté’s Karmen 1949 begins. Directed by Jaime del Mundo, the reimagining of Georges Bizet’s opera opens November 13, 2026, at the Doreen Black Box Theater and closes Areté’s Sa Parang ng Digma season.

Roxy Aldiosa plays Karmen, a young woman determined to live on her own terms. She is drawn to Jose, a Philippine Constabulary officer played by Bryan Homecillo. As their relationship deepens, Jose’s desire to hold on to Karmen turns into jealousy and obsession. Karmen’s insistence on choosing her own future drives the conflict between them.

The cast also includes Angeli Benipayo as Micaela, Ivan Nery as Camillo, Brian Sy as Zuñiga, Noel Rayos as Lillas Pastia, and Tarek El Tayech as Garcia.

Farley Asuncion leads musical direction and shares translation duties with Benipayo, who also serves as assistant director. Eric V. Dela Cruz handles dramaturgy. Sarah Facuri leads set design with co-set designer and technical director D. Villanueva Cortezano. The creative team also includes Jethro Nibaten for lighting, Kabaitan Bautista for sound design and recording, Carlo Pagunaling for costume and makeup design, and Brian Sy for fight choreography. Pat Ong is the production photographer, and OHNORiO! is the graphic artist.

Karmen 1949 runs November 13–15 and November 20–22, 2026, at the Doreen Black Box Theater in Areté. Friday performances are at 8 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday shows at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets are ₱2,000 with open seating. Get tickets through Areté’s box office.