“This short powerful gem of a work tells an important story in a beautifully engaging way.” The Australian
PRESENTED BY OPERA AUSTRALIA AN OPERA AUSTRALIA AND BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY CO-PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH WEST AUSTRALIAN OPERA THE RABBITS
30 minutes Concert Hall, QPAC 8yrs+
A contemporary Australian opera testing the elasticity of what an opera can be for a new generation.
The Rabbits redefines Australian opera for the young and young at heart. This genre-hopping production of John Marsden's allegorical children's book, featuring native marsupials and invasive white rabbits, reflects on Australia's recent history and the mistakes we make in the name of progress.
Winner of four Helpmann Awards, including Best New Australian Work, Best Original Score, Best Presentation for Children and Best Costume, The Rabbits is a distinctly Australian response to the worldwide experience of colonisation and the impact of displacement and destruction. It is brought to life with a contemporary yet ethereal score composed by the butterfly-voiced, classically-trained indie-pop singer Kate Miller-Heidke, who also performs the lead role alongside Indigenous performers and opera singers.
Gabriela Tylesova's stunning designs realise Shaun Tan's illustrations in all their mystical wonder, while Lally Katz has turned Marsden's poetic words into an enchanting libretto.
Image: Jon Green
This project is assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals, Perth International Arts Festival, Melbourne Festival, Sydney Festival and the Western Australian Government through the Department of Culture and the Arts.
Meet the artist
Opera Australia
Opera Australia is Australia’s national opera company, performing the world’s best loved operas under the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House and at Arts Centre Melbourne, as well as in school halls, outback towns, on Sydney Harbour and the Gold Coast beach. The company also presents lavish musicals and concerts around the country.
Opera Australia brings exciting international talent and co-productions to Australian stages, and supports the careers of hundreds of singers, musicians and artisans. The company is committed to work that communicates to all Australians through an operatic medium that resonates with 21st century audiences and contemporary society.
Contact:
- Sandra Willis
- Executive Producer - Touring & Outreach
- Opera Australia
- sandra.willis@opera.org.au
- +61 3 9685 3718
- https://opera.org.au/