Opera Australia: Bluebeard’s Castle

Sydney Morning Herald

Performing Arts Hub

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Bachtrack

Venue: Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Composed by Bele Bartok
Libretto by Bela Balazs
Conductor: Andrea Molino
Director: Andy Morton
Associate Director: Priscilla Jackman
Lighting Designer: John Raymond
Photographer: Phil Erbacher
With: Daniel Sumegi and Carmen

Date: March 2021

About the project:

In 2021, Andy Morton (director), Priscilla Jackman (associate director) and John Rayment (lighting designer), formed a potent artistic partnership, creating Opera Australia’s critically acclaimed production of Bela Bartok’s harrowing opera, Bluebeard’s Castle, which premiered in the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House.

Show me all your hidden secrets.

Let me enter every doorway.

A young bride enters her husband’s castle. Trembling on the threshold, she longs to warm the icy marble and let the light flood in. But the walls are wet with tears. The castle is rank with blood. Seven doors are locked before her. Unafraid, she steps into the darkness.

Bartók’s only opera is an astonishing achievement for a young composer. A large orchestra conjures up Bluebeard’s chilling castle. Dread and anticipation hang in the air as intense minor chords. Each door takes shape in the music.
Andrea Molino brings his immense conducting talent to this rare work. Directors Andy Morton and Priscilla Jackman will hold you breathless as Bartók’s short psychological thriller plays to its ambiguous conclusion.

Daniel Sumegi (Don Carlo, The Ring Cycle) is captivating as the treacherous Bluebeard, and Carmen Topciu (Anna Bolena) is the inquisitive Judith.