West Australian Opera is set to wow audiences with its upcoming production of Orpheus and Eurydice. It is opera like you’ve never seen before.
While the classic Greek tragedy will feature exquisite singing of the calibre that traditional opera-goers are accustomed to, this latest production also includes thrilling acrobatics from Australian contemporary circus troupe, Circa.
Circa is known as one of the world’s leading performance companies. Since their establishment in Queensland two decades ago, they’ve toured the world performing to nearly two million people in more than 45 countries.
WA Opera’s collaboration with Circa will see the opera company’s principal soprano, Prudence Sanders, take on a double role as she will play Eurydice, Orpheus’ wife, and Amor, the goddess of love. Prudence has not performed with Circa before but is excited about this reimagination of one of the world’s greatest love stories.
“I remember going to watch ballet performances when I was younger and was always amazed at what the dancers were able to do physically. I guess if somebody was going to watch opera for the first time, they would have a similar experience in terms of what singers can do vocally. Combining physical expression and vocal technique is going to create a visually stunning experience and a really intense piece of theatre,” she said.
Prudence added that the production has involved careful consideration in combining its vocal, musical, physical and striking video design elements.
“It’s important to find the balance of when it’s the moment for the music to be the focus, when it’s the moment for the music to be there, but the focus on the physical side of the theatre, and then when they can complement each other.”
Adding to the spectacle of this Italian-sung production will be English subtitles projected onto the set making this opera more accessible to non-Italian speaking audiences.
As an experienced and highly talented soprano, Prudence is sure to take this upcoming production in her stride having performed in numerous WA Opera productions over the past five seasons. In 2023 she gained rave reviews for her role as Micaëla in Carmen for which she received the ‘Outstanding Performer in a supporting role’ award at this year’s Performing Arts of Western Australia awards.
WA Opera’s production of Orpheus and Eurydice opens on October 24 at His Majesty’s Theatre. There will be five performances and tickets are available online at www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au or by contacting the theatre on (08) 6212 9292.
