Opera Australia is on a mission to bring younger audiences to its shows. In May, it sold hundreds of $35 tickets to under-35s for its production of Puccini’s Tosca. Now the $35 offer is back – this time for its Melbourne premiere of Breaking the Waves.
But isn’t that a film? If you’re old enough to remember baby-faced Emily Watson in the chilling Lars von Trier movie Breaking the Waves (1996), you probably can’t apply for the bargain tickets.
The story follows Bess (played by Watson in the film and by soprano Jennifer Black in the new production) whose husband Jan is paralysed after an accident. Jan asks Bess to have sex with others and to report back on her experiences. The film won the Grand Prix at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival.
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SIGN UPThe operatic version by composer Missy Mazzoli and librettist-playwright Royce Vavrek has already startled audiences in New York, Edinburg and Adelaide. Now it’s showing at Hamer Hall on July 26, directed by Melbourne Theatre Company’s artistic director Anne-Louise Sarks and conducted by Jessica Cottis.
Alongside Black as Bess, baritone Duncan Rock reprises the role of Jan, which he performed at Edinburgh and Adelaide Festivals. Mezzo-soprano Sian Sharp sings Dodo and soprano Emma Matthews sings the role of Mother.
The $35 ticket offer for under-35s is available now for a limited time.
Breaking the Waves is on at Hamer Hall on July 26. General tickets are $179 to $199.
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