Carmen’s Sisters

In 1813, nearly 6.000 women joined the workforce of the Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville. They joined those who, at that time, were employed in the tobacco factories Cadiz, La Coruña or Gijón: 23.000 throughout Spain. A few days after its premiere at the Matadero theatre in Madrid, choreographer Rafaela Carrasco - recipient of the 2023 Spanish National Dance Award -, much loved and admired by the Seville returns to the Maestranza with her new show.

Humo is the tribute to the women who, 150 years ago, inspired among others, the character of Carmen. The cigarette girls who unintentionally made history and entered the territory of legend. The daily routine of nine of these women is portrayed on stage across many other choreographic proposals. Flamenco dance and song express different realities which are at odds with certain feminine stereotypes passed on from generation to generation.

With the protagonists of the story, the new show by Rafaela Carrasco is an intense reflection on the feminine condition and its transformation over the last centuries. The joys and pain of this collective have much in common with so many women, even in our days. The authentic Carmen remains in our midst.

Premiere on April 16 2026 at the Centro de Danza Matadero of Madrid.