By Renee Wood
Australian Contemporary Opera Company is arriving in the Yarra Valley at Alowyn Gardens, bringing with it an Australian premier of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ on Sunday 27 February.
The production was first commissioned by London’s Opera Holland Park and was performed for five years to sell-out crowds in London.
The show features many characters from the popular fantasy although, ACOCo’s Artistic Director Linda Thompson said the story line has been brought into modern times.
“It starts off in a modern day setting and then falls into the familiar story where all the characters from the book appear,” Ms Thompson said.
“It’s just slightly modernised in the sense that a few little surprises are in there, which really appeal to a modern audience.”
The characters of Alice, the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit also help to connect an audience who may be first time attendees to an opera performance.
“It has the recognisable story and the characters, which I think is really appealing to people who have never been to an opera before, so at least there is something before they get there that they can relate to.”
Audience members will enjoy watching a talented cast with performers coming from across the world.
Alice is doctoral student, Melissa Davis, who is now living in Victoria but was born in the US and other characters are also played by very established international singers.
“Christopher Tonkin has been singing in Germany and is now back here and he’s the white rabbit. Heather Fletcher who sings the Mad Hatter is also another American living in Victoria.”
“Many of the other younger singers have either studied or performed nationally and internationally as well. So it’s a really a dynamic and very well-travelled cast.”
Adults and children alike will enjoy the contemporary opera, as it’s written in English and appeals to a broad range of audiences – stepping away from a formal opera into a relaxed picnic environment.
“It is influenced by jazz, music theatre, light opera and it uses electronic sound effects, and that’s quite different in a sense from what people more traditionally think of as opera.”
The production was written to be performed outdoors and attendees are invited to bring picnic chairs and baskets to Alowyn Gardens for the show.
“It’s absolutely perfect for these times. We needed to find something that would encourage people to come and feel safe and feel good, and also to be amazed by what contemporary opera can be.”
The gardens will also be open for the show, allowing guests to wander through to enhance the experience.
It’s modeled on overseas summer opera festivals which draw people in to an offering beyond the opera performance and into a whole new world.
“As soon as you walk through the gates, you’re in another world. I think that people like to explore and it’s a really important part of the experience to be able to wander around and take some time to relax.”
Tickets are available https://events.humanitix.com/alices-adventures-in-wonderland-yarra-valley
