Verb Ballets at Cleveland Public Theatre

“I’ve brought everything down to Carmen’s essence: the point where passion becomes an obsession,” says Verb Ballets choreographer Richard Dickinson. While based on Bizet’s famous 19th-century opera, Carmen: A Story of Passion is distinctively contemporary. “In my mind, I have an image of someone who is so possessed that they would do anything — even drink the poison lemonade — for the object of their affection.” To help his dancers reach that level, Dickinson says he’s worked with them extensively “to find that place in themselves where they truly understand” obsession. Adding to the impact is the in-the-round staging that puts the audience close to the action. Performances are set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through April 28 at Cleveland Public Theatre. Tickets are $10 to $30 by phone or online. The production marks the launch of CPT’s 2012 DanceWorks showcase, which continues through May 19.