Image: Supplied
Opera Australia has announced a thrilling new operatic work聽playing four performances only at the Sydney Opera House.聽The new Australian performance, Watershed, will make its Sydney debut after receiving a number of five-star reviews and聽emotional standing ovations at each sold-out performance聽at the 2022 Adelaide Festival.聽
Directed by Neil Armfield with conductor Brett Weymark,聽and written by composer Joseph Twist, playwright Alana Valentine and legendary novelist Christos Tsiolkas,聽the enchanting performance follows the infamous drowning of Dr George Ian Ogilvie Duncan that occurred half a century ago.聽
The Australian University lecturer was a victim of anti-gay violence after being thrown into the Torrens River by a group of men.
Duncan鈥檚 story triggered homosexual law reform
罢丑颈蝉听tragic but significant event led to lasting change in Australia and was聽followed by city-wide outrage, a national scandal, an alleged police cover-up and a Scotland Yard investigation.聽
Most importantly, Dr Duncan鈥檚 death prompted landmark law reform which led to South Australia鈥檚 decriminalisation of homosexuality, ahead of the rest of the country.聽
Watershed聽features powerful choral music, solo voices and dance, fused with transcripts, press clippings and monologues. The entire performance pays tribute to the academic, and the captivating musical performance honours both the man himself and the impact his untimely and unfortunate death had on queer history.
Opera Australia鈥檚 Sydney Winter Season 2024
Watershed is part of Opera Australia鈥檚 new 2024 season that has been creatively curated by Artistic Director Jo Davies. The upcoming winter season comprises new Australian works with extraordinary creative teams and casts, with Watershed being one of the highlight performances.聽
Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan has stated that the company鈥檚 new direction is 鈥渕ore collaborative [and] more committed to diversity and developing and showcasing the best Australian talent, all of which is well demonstrated in Jo鈥檚 first season as Artistic Director鈥�.
Neil Armfield鈥檚 production of Watershed is as deeply felt and thrillingly physical as the previous award-winning shows. Do not miss out on viewing some of the best creative talents on stage from Opera Australia and experiencing the emotional journey this work can take you on.聽
Click for tickets and view the Watershed trailer below:聽
Watch the interview with Alana Valentine and Christos Tsiolkas:
14鈥�16 June 2024
Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
