Who is Rihab Chaieb?
Rihab Chaieb is a Tunisian-born, Montreal-raised human, classical singer, activist, and sausage dog mum. I am lucky to call this beautiful planet earth my home and playground, as I get to travel to incredible places like Sydney (for my first time) for work, and to discover the wonderful sights and people of each city. I came to opera via heavy metal, and I have a (not so) secret obsession in Padel tennis.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
In terms of career? As a kid, I wanted to be a forensic pathologist. Dana Scully from the TV series The X-files was my hero and I wanted to literally be her (although she is pretty awesome in the TV series Sex Education too!).
But having had my opera singing career now, if I would do something differently at this point in my life, it would be one of three things (or three things consecutively): be a stage director, be a casting director, have a dog shelter (focused on sausage dogs).
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d like to think that I am quite vocal on social media about things that matter to me (the state of the world, and where I stand on things). I feel somehow responsible, as one of the very few MENA (Middle Eastern and North African) artists in the classical music industry who also have trans family members, to shed some light and educate on certain evident situations that are currently happening in our world.
In a better world, I’d like to take me from my busy schedule to go and help in communities that need it the most, to march and protest more. To be on the ground and be where things matter. And to open that dog shelter.
Who inspires you and why?
My aunt and my cousin, both human rights activists. My aunt, Dr. Hamida Dridi, a member of the National Torture Prevention Authority, was expert elected at the United Nations Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture until 2024, on top of being an ER doctor in Tunis, Carthage. She would visit some of the most dangerous prisons in the world and make sure they treat the inmates humanely and with dignity.
Her son, my cousin, Wael Naouar, who is one of the Sumud Convoy and Flotilla organiser, and human rights activist. He was one of the leaders of the Global March to bring food and aid to Gaza this summer. In his own words he says “We didn’t reach Rafah, and we didn’t break the siege, but we felt that, emotionally and symbolically, we went far beyond Rafah. We reached the whole world.” And I agree. You asked me if I could do more in the previous question… I wish I marched at his side.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I have three: The first one is my own apartment on the beautiful Tunisian coast; the second one would be Gaspé, in Quebec, and more precisely the Forillon National Park; finally it would be the entire Basque Country (both French and Spanish parts). I am utterly in love with that region: Biarritz, St-Jean-de-Luz, San Sebastián… the food, the people, the surf and turf of it all with the mountains, the beach, and the ocean.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Well, I am not from Sydney (sadly!) but I would of course bring them to see the iconic Sydney Opera House. When I am traveling in the world, one thing I like to do is to try new restaurants and I love when friends join me for this. I am such a foodie, so I love discovering a town through its local cuisine. And of course bring my friends to operas or concerts.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow in the evening, and I just cracked open Atomic Habits for my morning read.
What are you currently listening to?
After Spotify’s investment in an AI drone weapons company, I have decided to switch streaming service to Qobuz, which pay their artists more fairly, and also has a ton of cool underground finds! They recently suggested that I listen to a Melbourne trio called Folk Bitch Trio, and I am so glad I found them! But my musical mood changes on what activity I’m doing. For workouts I opt for intense hip-hop, for running, I like a good 70s, 80s, 90s happy beat.
Happiness is?
Watching a TV show in bed with my sausage dog curled next to me, a hike in nature with my sausage dog, or a night out with friends.
What does the future hold for you?
Some very thrilling role debuts, some house debuts, being reconnected to my darling sausage dog Nahla (I couldn’t bring her with me to Australia sadly and I miss her terribly), and a move to Europe. What I am very excited about is that in the next few months, my works bring me to very fun places and some dear friends will also be in the cast, and that is truly the sweetest of the spots. Doing what I love, with people I love. How lucky am I?
Rihab can be seen as Carmen in Opera Australia’s production of Carmen from 7 August – 1 September in the Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Rihab Chaieb – photo by Gerard Collett