First opera on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island: a rock ‘n’ roll inspired Carmen

Rehearsals are underway for a bold new production of Bizet’s Carmen opening on 25 November on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island. A short 12 minute ferry ride from the city, this will be the first opera ever performed on the heritage-listed island.

Under the direction of the acclaimed Liesel Badorrek, a cast of brilliant singers and musicians, 12 contemporary dancers and three motorbike riders have begun weaving together the story of Carmen, who Liesel says is the ultimate femme fatale.

Director Liesel Badorrek:

This is Carmen as you’ve never seen it before. For me it is a story about misfits, fringe dwellers and outsiders and nothing says that like rock ‘n’ roll.

Sydney’s Cockatoo Island is an industrial and gritty place so we have taken that aesthetic to the next level with the sets and costumes to create a thrilling set. You will feel like you’ve entered our world of Carmen as soon as you step off the ferry, it really is going to be a unique experience.

Incorporating such a diverse range of elements, including motorcycles and nightly fireworks, is an exciting prospect for choreographer Shannon Burns, who previously worked on Opera Australia’s Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour production of La Traviata.

choreographer Shannon Burns:

We are creating a new world and the dancers support that world with a dynamic display of unapologetic and expressive movement across multiple genres. Expect the unexpected. Carmen on Cockatoo Island will be an all-encompassing experience set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

Carmen on Cockatoo Island offers a great value night at the opera with tickets priced between $79 and $149. Pop-up bars and dining will provide an all-inclusive evening out at one of Sydney’s most unique locations.

Minister for Tourism and the Arts Ben Franklin said Opera on Cockatoo Island was a great addition to Sydney’s events calendar that would be a highlight for visitors over summer.

Mr Franklin:

Experiencing Carmen against the unique industrial backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cockatoo Island will be a breathtaking experience. This will be a highlight of Sydney’s summer events calendar and a major drawcard for visitors to Sydney.

Audiences can travel to Cockatoo Island on the Opera Australia shuttle ferry running from King St Wharf which can be booked alongside performance tickets. The island is also accessible by public ferry or water taxi.

Proudly supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, Carmen on Cockatoo Island will be a spectacular harbour event and a once-in-a-lifetime opera experience.

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Season Details

Venue: Eastern Apron and Bolt Wharf, Cockatoo Island
Date: 25 Nov–18 Dec 2022

For more information click HERE