Drugs, guns and burning lust. Victorian Opera’s striking new production of The Coronation of Poppea lays bare the ruthless pursuit of power at St Kilda’s Palais Theatre from 30 June – 4 July 2026.
Monteverdi’s masterpiece is reimagined far from Ancient Rome, unfolding instead in the volatile underbelly of a 1980s nightclub – a world of desire, betrayal and bloodshed inspired by the infamous Hotel Babylon in Brian De Palma’s Scarface (1983).
Directed by Sam Strong (Echo and Narcissus/Cassandra),power, politics and passion take centre stage in this provocative love story between Nero and his obsession, Poppea. As they ruthlessly pursue their forbidden love, a trail of death and destruction is left in their wake.
Conductor Chad Kelly returns to Victorian Opera (VO) after last year’s hit production of Mozart’s Abduction, leading Elena Kats-Chernin’s re-orchestration of the opera; which premiered at Komische Opera Berlin. Infused with subtle shades of jazz, the score pulses with urgency and intimacy.
At the heart of this sensual drama, baritone Samuel Dundas and soprano Meechot Marrero star as Nero and Poppea. The duo is joined by a notable cast including Margaret Trubiano, David Greco, Jeremy Kleeman, Louis Hurley, Mia Robinson and Amelia Wawrzon.
The production also features current VO Opera Prize winners Alessia Pintabona, Rachael Joyce and Bailey Montgomerie, as well as former Opera Prize recipient Douglas Kelly. It features set and costume design by Anna Cordingley (Salome) with lighting by Matt Scott (Candide).
“We present our bold new version of The Coronation of Poppea under the baton of the dynamic Chad Kelly and helmed by the visionary director Sam Strong,” said Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director Stuart Maunder AM.
“This piece is an extraordinary fusion of power, politics and sensuality, with unbearably exquisite music. Who knew Monteverdi would still be so relevant today?”
The Coronation of Poppea
Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
Season: 30 June – 4 July 2026
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
For more information, visit: www.victorianopera.com.au for details.
Image: Samuel Dundas and Elisa Colla – photo by James Terry