Due to the newly announced five-day state-wide lockdown, Victorian Opera has cancelled its opening night performance of Respighi’s The Sleeping Beauty at St Kilda’s Palais Theatre on Saturday 20 February 2021.
Ticket holders to this performance will be contacted from Monday 15 February regarding ticketing preferences including exchanges and refunds. Victorian Opera is hopeful to commence the production’s performance season on Tuesday 23 February 2021.
The classic fairy tale you know and love. It’s the one about the princess who pricks her finger on a spindle and falls into a deep sleep. For centuries, the kingdom slumbers. The only one who can save them is a handsome prince and his revitalising kiss.
As Europe emerged from the horrors of WWI and the devastation of the Spanish Flu, from which the composer suffered a mild case, Respighi delivered an opera sparkling with joy, resilience and wit.
Premiering in 1922, the original opera was created for Vittorio Podrecca’s famed puppet company I Piccoli, featuring marionette puppets on stage with singers performing alongside the orchestra in the pit.
In Victorian Opera’s production, marionettes are replaced with spectacularly realised life-sized puppets. Embrace the child within and join a resilient community emerging out of dark times with hope. It’s time for reawakening!
“For now, take care and stay safe. We can’t wait to share the joys of opera with you very soon,” said Victorian Opera in a statement.
For more information, visit: www.victorianopera.com.au for details.
Image: The Sleeping Beauty – courtesy of Victorian Opera.