Due to the high level of uncertainty caused by the evolving nationwide COVID-19 situation, coupled with ongoing challenges around border restrictions, artist quarantine requirements and limitations on group singing, State Opera South Australia has come to the difficult decision to postpone the upcoming September seasons of Voss and The Turn of the Screw to early 2022.
“State Opera maintains its commitment to present opera of the highest possible standard, both in production and performance, and this is sadly not possible at this time, given the multitude of challenges facing live performance in Australia,” said Stuart Maunder (Artistic Director), Yarmila Alfonzetti (Executive Director) an John Irving (Board Chair) on behalf of the Company.
“The company has persisted in preparing these major productions to go on stage in September but it has reached a point where the responsible thing to do for everyone, our audiences included, is to reschedule to a time where the production is no longer compromised by border restrictions, increased health and safety requirements, and limitations on group singing.”
“Furthermore, State Opera has always had the best interests of its audiences at heart, and therefore has decided to present these exceptional productions at a time where everyone that wishes to will be able to attend,” they said
The Turn of the Screw (Britten) has been rescheduled to Saturday 30 April, Wednesday 4 May, and Friday 6 May 2022, while Voss (Meale) has been rescheduled to Saturday 7 May 2022. All performances will take place at the newly refurbished Festival Theatre.
Stuart Maunder’s new production of The Turn of the Screw would have been the first in Australia in over 20 years and features a creative team of conductor Anthony Hunt, designer Roger Kirk AM, and lighting by Trudy Dalgleish, and stars Rachelle Durkin as The Governess and Kanen Breen as her nemesis Peter Quint.
The highly anticipated State Opera/Victorian Opera co-production of Voss was to be staged for one night only on Friday 17 September at her Majesty’s Theatre and features an all-star Australian cast, conducted by Richard Mills AM, with the State Opera Chorus and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our supporters for their understanding, patience, loyalty, and love of opera that has inspired us already throughout 2021 and will continue to see State Opera present great work into the future.”
Ticket holders for both productions will be contacted directly regarding the new dates. All tickets will be honoured for the new seasons. For more information, visit: www.stateopera.com.au for details.
Image: The Turn of the Screw – photo courtesy of State Opera South Australia