Opera Australia Releases Set Details for La Bohème
- Written by John Quertermous
Flurries of snow will take the outdoor opera experience to a whole new level with this stunning new production of La Bohème set in a wintery 1960's Parisian streetscape and featuring beautiful cobblestone laneways, glowing street lamps and classically bohemian costumes.
Director Andy Morton has been charged with bringing this vision to life, alongside celebrated set and costume designer Dan Potra who is making a welcome return to the outdoor stage after working his magic on Turandot in 2016.
Mr Morton has worked on the past five Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour productions and is delighted to be taking the reins of a new show for the first time:
“On the one hand it is of course extremely exciting. I have to pinch myself occasionally. On the other hand I have seen first-hand how Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is put together and the amount of preparation that goes into it, so I'm under no illusions about what a challenge it is,” Mr Morton said.
“It's my job to tell the story and, above all, obey the first rule of theatre: "thou shalt not bore!" So expect amazing lights and projections, soundscapes, bangs, flames, performers flying and the rather singular sight of freezing snowy weather in the middle of Sydney harbour. And fireworks? Well that goes without saying”.
The costumes will bring to life the classic bohemian love story reflecting the counterculture aesthetic of the era and include a range of colourful pea coats, flower power mini dresses and mariniere sailor tops.
Described as one of the great outdoor opera events in the world Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is a highlight of the Australian cultural calendar, attracting more than 250,000 attendees from around Australia and across the globe over the past six years.
The custom-built site has an impressive range of dining and drinking options that make the most of the magnificent harbour views and nightly fireworks. The stunning Platinum Club – a pop up dining room, bar and lounge set amongst the tree tops – offers fine dining before the show, high tea and drinks at interval. Dinner and show packages are available with variable components that include a three-course dinner, interval drinks, program and performance.
To complete a glamorous night out, guests can arrive at the site by Water Taxi. Pick up points are around Sydney Harbour, dropping guests at Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, just metres from the entrance to Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
Creatives
Conductor Brian Castles-Onion
Director Andy Morton
Set & Costume Designer Dan Potra
Lighting Designer Matthew Marshall
Sound Designer Tony David Cray
Video Designer Marco Devetak
Choreographer Kate Champion
Cast
Mimi Iulia Maria Dan* | Maija Kovalevska †
Rodolfo Ho-Yoon Chung* | Paul O'Neill †
Musetta Julie Lea Goodwin
Marcello Samuel Dundas* | Christopher Tonkin †
Colline Richard Anderson
Schaunard Christopher Hillier
Benoît/ Alcindoro John Bolton Wood
Parpignol Simon Gilkes
Officer Douglas McRae
Sergeant James Olds
* March 23, 25, 28, 31; April 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21
† March 24, 27, 29; April 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22
With the Opera Australia Orchestra and Opera Australia Chorus
Performance information
March 23 – April 22
Performance begins at 7:30pm
Site opens at 5:00pm for bar and restaurant venues
Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney
Running time
Two hours and thirty minutes including one interval
Performed in Italian with English and simplified Chinese subtitles.
Bookings
Tickets from $99 (fees may apply)
Group and concession prices available for most performances.
Opera Australia Box Office
(02) 9318 8200
www.opera.org.au
