CARMEN ON COCKATOO ISLAND | Opera Australia
Bizet’s classic opera re-imagined and performed under the stars. A new and much anticipated event, Cockatoo Island was transformed into a world-class contemporary arts venue. The industrial surrounds and architectural marvels of the island inspired this modern interpretation, which boasted an incredible cast, motorbike stunts, crashed cars, visceral choreography and even fireworks. Not just a show but an entire experience.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director - Liesel Badorrek
Conductor - Tahu Matheson
Set and Costume Designer - Mark Thompson
Lighting Designer - John Rayment
Sound Designer - Tony David Cray
Choreographer - Shannon Burns
Assistant Director - Warwick Doddrell
CAST
Carmen - Sian Sharp, Carmen Topciu
Don José - Diego Torre, Roberto Aronica
Escamillo - Alexander Sefton, Daniel Sumegi
Micaëla - Rebecca Gulinello, Danita Weatherstone
Frasquita - Jane Ede, Esther Song
Mercédès - Agnes Sarkis
Remendado - Adam Player
Dancairo - Alexander Hargreaves
Zuniga - Richard Anderson
Morales - Haotian Qi
Opera Australia Orchestra and Opera Australia Chorus
DANCERS
Jervis Livelo, Neale Whittaker, Rob McLean, Tom Anastopoulos, Dylan Bull, Do Hoon Kwon,
Franky Drousioti, Lauren Seymour, Jazz Luna, Tegan Jeffrey-Rushton, Rachel Dowse, Ashley Goh
Prudence Upton Photography
Keith Saunders Photography
Keith Saunders Photography
Prudence Upton Photography
Prudence Upton Photography
Hamilton Lund Photography
Prudence Upton Photography
Hamilton Lund Photography
Prudence Upton Photography
“I have a confession to make. As a dance aficionado - classical ballet to contemporary - it is rare for me to be excited by the dance performances of opera. It hasn’t happened before; but there’s a first time for everything. I truly was so excited by this choreography that was first and foremost relevant to this production. The dancing was edgy and exhilarating, owned the stage and the audience. Told the story. Beyond that its execution was faultless and its blending with the exquisite opera ensemble seamless. I wish I had the words to really convey how fabulous the choreography and dancing is in this production. You may not notice it, because you’re not meant to see it as a stand alone. Yet take the time to observe it and see how much it adds to this new Carmen on Cockatoo Island.”
SCOOP