A reinterpreted and intimately produced version of the classical French opera, “Carmen,” opens next month at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Jan. 5 and 6, 2012 at 8 p.m.

Choreographed by Tomas Mazuch, artistic director of Ballet Etoile, this version of “Carmen” takes its inspiration from the original novella by Prosper Mérimée and focuses on the violent romance between Carmen and José. “Everyone can understand the perils of jealousy and revenge,” Mazuch says. “And, of course, love.”

But this version of Carmen is not just about love or the idea of love. It is about its consequences of love and the blind rage and obsession, masquerading as passion, that spills out of this romance and into a vindictive, murderous rampage. The sultry, provocative Carmen pushes José too far, jealously engulfs him and bad things happen.

Mazuch, whose South Florida-based Ballet Etoile is made up of a close-knit group of dancers with a common interest in relatively underproduced performances, choreographed “Carmen” with a small cast of local dancers. Each dancer is elegantly costumed — some are partially nude — to evoke the classical nature of the opera, but with a modern edge.

Jan. 5 and 6, 2012 at 8 p.m.: Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 N.E. 188th St., Aventura, Fla. 33180. This performance is open to the public (RSVP or ticket purchase will ensure entry) and admission is $28 and $32. Students will receive 10 percent off. General admission purchased in the next two weeks will also receive 10 percent off, using discount code: STAR. The box office may be reached at 877.311.7469 or online at www.AventuraCenter.org. The performance contains partial nudity.