After honing their craft in Manchester (UK), Lights On Theatre make their Australian debut at The Sydney Fringe with Dominick Argento’s 1981 mono-opera Miss Havisham’s Wedding Night at the Chippen Street Theatre from 11 September 2024.
Helmed by emerging Australian artist Spark Sanders Robinson, Lights On Theatre blends their unique style of shadow puppetry with classical music to create a wholly original and thrilling theatrical experience.
As an adaption of his longer opera Miss Havisham’s Fire, Argento’s one-act, one-woman opera is a powerful showcase of the female operatic voice. Taking inspiration from Charles Dickens’ iconic character from Great Expectations, the striking libretto by John Olon-Scrymgeour is perfectly matched by Argento’s expressive and commanding score.
This season of Miss Havisham’s Wedding Night will also feature an original song cycle by award-winning Sydney-based composer Jorde Heys. Set to the sonnets of the ground-breaking and transgressive 16th Century poet Lady Mary Wroth, Heys’ songs are a response to Argento’s work and complement the original material.
Featuring puppetry and set design by illustrator Jaqueline Chapman and a cast of emerging Sydney creatives this exciting piece of theatre showcases the next generation of Australian talent.
Lights On Theatre are a collective of artists operating across Sydney and Manchester. Founded by Spark Sanders Robinson, Lights On Theatre’s mission is to democratise classical music through innovations in performance.
Using shadow puppetry as an entry point to reinterpret and reimagine classical music, Light’s On Theatre aims to bring new and accessible musical experiences to everyday audiences.
Director: Spark Sanders Robinson | Featuring: Sarah Ampil, Elizabeth Cooper, Sophie Rogut | Musical Director & Pianist: Nathaniel Kong | Puppeteers: Victoria Abbott, George Wohlfiel | Designer: Jacqueline Chapman | Lighting & Sound Designer: Jay Daniel | Song Cycle Composer: Jorde Heys | Producers: Spark Sanders Robinson, Samuel Herriman
Miss Havisham’s Wedding Night
Chippen Street Theatre, 45 Chippen Street, Chippendale (Sydney)
Season: 11 – 14 September 2024
Bookings: www.sydneyfringe.com
For more information, visit: www.lightsontheatre.com for details.
Image: Lights On Theatre presents Miss Havisham’s Wedding Night (supplied)