Opera Australia Premieres New Production Of ‘Metamorphosis’ In Edgy New Performance Space

Opera Australia presents the premiere of a new production of the chamber opera  Metamorphosis by Brian Howard, in the scenery workshop of  The Opera Centre in Surry Hills.

This massive space in which OA’s sets and props are built, will be transformed into an innovative performance area, adding edgy intensity to Howard’s opera written in 1982, to a libretto by Stephen Berkoff, based on the short story by Franz Kafka. Commissioned by the Victorian State Opera, Metamorphosis premiered in Melbourne in September 1983.

Conducted by Paul Fitzsimon, twelve musicians will be centre stage and six singers will perform metres from the audience. Baritone Simon Lobelson as Gregor, makes both his Opera Australia and role debut in this production. The young Gregor, exhausted by the relentless demands of his work and family, awakes one morning to find himself shockingly transformed into a grotesque insect. Performing with him are OA principals Julie Lea Goodwin, Christopher Hillier, Taryn Fiebig, Adrian Tamburini and Benjamin Rasheed. Director Tama Matheson and designer Mark Thompson narrate the story of social alienation in a modern, inhumane world. Commissioned by the Victorian State Opera, Metamorphosis premiered in September 1983.

Conductor – Paul Fitzsimon/Director – Tama Matheson/Set & Costume Designer – Mark Thompson/Lighting Designer – John Rayment
Cast: Gregor – Simon Lobelson/ Greta – Julie Lea Goodwin/ Father – Christopher Hillier/ Mother – Taryn Fiebig/ Chief Clerk – Adrian Tamburini/ Lodger – Benjamin Rasheed/ Opera Australia Orchestra Soloists

Sung in English.

Tickets $79 (fees may apply)/ Group and concession prices available for most performances/Student Rush available for most
performances: $50 (fees may apply)

Bookings: Opera Australia Box Office (02) 9318 8200 or online