A breathtaking fusion of opera and contemporary circus lands in Melbourne this December, as Gluck’s Orpheus & Eurydice takes over the Regent Theatre from 2–5 December. Fresh from sold-out performances and rave reviews at the Edinburgh International Festival, the acclaimed production—presented by Opera Australia and Edinburgh International Festival with Opera Queensland in association with Circa—promises a thrilling night out unlike anything else on stage this season.
Uniting awe-inspiring acrobatics with Gluck’s sublime score, the production reframes the iconic Greek myth for modern audiences, echoing the renewed cultural fascination sparked by the hit musical Hadestown. Known for its virtuosic physicality, Circa brings its signature intensity to the stage, delivering an experience that blends storytelling, musical mastery, and gasp-worthy spectacle.
Australian soprano Samantha Clarke and celebrated British countertenor Iestyn Davies reprise their internationally acclaimed performances. Clarke performs both Amore and Eurydice—an extraordinary dual role—while Davies embodies Orfeo with the ethereal brilliance that has made him one of the world’s leading countertenors.
This production also shines a spotlight on homegrown talent, featuring four graduates from Melbourne’s National Institute of Circus Arts: Lachlan Suckroo, Rosa Mordaunt, Zachary Stephens, and Billie Wilson Coffey. Their artistry seamlessly intertwines with Gluck’s music, showcasing the strength of Australia’s contemporary circus training on a global stage.
Conducted by Australian maestro Dane Lam, with Orchestra Victoria and the Opera Australia Chorus, the performance is brought to life under the creative vision of Director and Set Designer Yaron Lifschitz. The result is a visually arresting world where music, movement, and emotion collide in a mythic, dreamlike landscape.
With only four performances, Orpheus & Eurydice is set to be one of Melbourne’s most unmissable artistic events this December—an exhilarating collision of opera, circus, and storytelling at its highest level.
Bookings: https://opera.org.au/national
