8 Nov 2022
Rehearsals begin for the first opera on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island: Carmen
Rehearsals are underway for a bold new production of Bizet’s Carmen opening on 25 November on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island. A short 12 minute ferry ride from the city, this will be the first opera ever performed on the heritage-listed island.
Under the direction of the acclaimed Liesel Badorrek, a cast of brilliant singers and musicians, 12 contemporary dancers and 3 motorbike riders have begun weaving together the story of Carmen, who Liesel says is the ultimate femme fatale.
“This is Carmen as you’ve never seen it before. For me it is a story about misfits, fringe dwellers and outsiders and nothing says that like rock ‘n’ roll.
“Sydney’s Cockatoo Island is an industrial and gritty place so we have taken that aesthetic to the next level with the sets and costumes to create a thrilling set. You will feel like you’ve entered our world of Carmen as soon as you step off the ferry, it really is going to be a unique experience,” said director Liesel Badorrek.
Incorporating such a diverse range of elements, including motorcycles and nightly fireworks, is an exciting prospect for choreographer Shannon Burns, who previously worked on Opera Australia’s Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of La Traviata.
“We are creating a new world and the dancers support that world with a dynamic display of unapologetic and expressive movement across multiple genres. Expect the unexpected. Carmen on Cockatoo Island will be an all-encompassing experience set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour,” says choreographer Shannon Burns.
Carmen on Cockatoo Island offers a great value night at the opera with tickets priced between $79 and $149. Pop-up bars and dining will provide an all-inclusive evening out at one of Sydney’s most unique locations.
Minister for Tourism and the Arts Ben Franklin said Opera on Cockatoo Island was a great addition to Sydney’s events calendar that would be a highlight for visitors over summer.
“Experiencing Carmen against the unique industrial backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island will be a breathtaking experience. This will be a highlight of Sydney’s summer events calendar and a major drawcard for visitors to Sydney,” Mr Franklin said.
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 will be a spectacular harbour event and a once-in-a-lifetime opera experience.
Further information: opera.org.au/carmen
Carmen on Cockatoo Island rehearsal images, video and available audio linked here.
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 subtitles
Bookings
Performance tickets - adults from $79 - $149 (+ $9.80 booking fee)
Ferry tickets can be booked separately when you purchase performance tickets
Opera Australia Box Office
(02) 9318 8200 www.opera.org.au
Media enquiries
Janet Glover | Communications Manager | 0412 601 816 | janet.glover@opera.org.au
Christy Seddon | Senior Publicist | 0411 675 490 | christy.seddon@opera.org.au
Caitlin Eames | Publicist 0433 746 644 | caitlin.eames@opera.org.au