last Days – Carmen revs up for summer on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island
Opera Australia’s highly anticipated new summer spectacular, Opera on Cockatoo Island, a revved-up, edgy new production of Bizet’s much-loved opera Carmen, premiered tonight under a starry Sydney sky to a full house.
The first opera to be performed on Cockatoo Island, director Liesel Badorrek’s production of Carmen is a gritty adaptation set in the island’s raw industrial environment that features a giant stage with a wreckers yard set and a distinct rock ‘n’ roll vibe.
The audience were treated to stunning dance sequences, fireworks, motorcycle stunts and magnificent music and singing, as some of opera’s most recognisable arias rang out across the harbour.
Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan was thrilled with the launch of the Company’s latest initiative to broaden the appeal of opera to new audiences. “Opera on Cockatoo Island is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to experience opera for the first time. What’s better than catching a ferry across beautiful Sydney Harbour and being treated to a world-class performance of this much-loved opera in such a relaxed setting?” said Ms Allan. Minister for Tourism and the Arts Ben Franklin said, “Experiencing Carmen against the unique industrial backdrop of Cockatoo Island and the world’s best harbour views is a breathtaking
experience.
“This will be a highlight of Sydney’s incredible summer events calendar for so many people and a major drawcard for visitors to Sydney. The NSW Government is committed to delivering world-class events like Opera on Cockatoo Island to achieve our goal of making Sydney and NSW the major events capital of the Asia Pacific.”
Carmen on Cockatoo Island offers a great value night at the opera with tickets priced between $79 and $149. Pop-up bars and dining provide an all-inclusive evening out at one of Sydney’s most unique locations.
Audiences can travel to Cockatoo Island on the Opera Australia shuttle ferry running from King St Wharf, which can be booked alongside performance tickets. The island is also accessible by public ferry or water taxi.
Proudly supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW,
Carmen on Cockatoo Island is a spectacular harbour event and a once-in-a-lifetime opera experience.
Creatives
Conductor Tahu Matheson
Director Liesel Badorrek
Set & Costume Designer Mark Thompson
Lighting Designer John Rayment
Sound Designer Tony David Cray
Choreographer Shannon Burns
Assistant Director Warwick Doddrell
Opera Australia Chorus
Opera Australia Orchestra
Cast
Carmen Carmen Topciu, Sian Sharp
Don José Roberto Aronica, Diego Torre
Escamillo Daniel Sumegi, Alexander Sefton
Micaëla Danita Weatherstone, Rebecca Gulinello
Frasquita Jane Ede, Esther Song
Mercédès Agnes Sarkis
Remendado Adam Player
Dancairo Alexander Hargreaves
Zuniga Richard Anderson
Morales Haotian Qi
Performance information
Evenings at 7.45pm
November 25, 26, 27, 29, 30
December 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Running time
Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including one interval
Performed in French with English surtitles
Bookings
Performance tickets – adults from $79 – $149 (+ $9.80 booking fee)
Opera Australia Shuttle ferry tickets from Barangaroo can be booked separately when you
purchase performance tickets
Alternatively, travel to Cockatoo Island via public ferry or book a private water taxi.
Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200
