Directed by Priscilla Jackman
Composed by Gioachino Rossini
Italian libretto by Cesare Sterbini
Opera Australia National Tour 2022
“If Wes Anderson were ever to direct an opera, it would probably look a lot like this one. In director Priscilla Jackman’s version…this staging is a crowd-pleasing story dressed up in a thoughtful and fun new way.”
Elizabeth Flux
The Age
______
“This is an excellent production in all respects… Director Priscilla Jackman has set the story in an Australian town actually called Seville, in the Victorian Yarra Valley wine region where she has successfully combined a contemporary Australian world of headline-making pop stars with the playfulness and showmanship demanded of Rossini’s music. The result is joyous.”
Ian McLean
Canberra City News
______
“Priscilla Jackman’s scintillating production of The Barber of the Seville has been touring Australia since July 2022…and it’s not only the audience which benefits, but also the singers who appear to revel in the opportunity to participate in Jackman’s delightfully wacky shenanigans…”
Bill Stephens
Australian Arts Review
______
“The director, Priscilla Jackman, keeps the fun moving at a fast pace. Every moment and set change has been tightly choreographed, making it a pleasure to watch as well as listen to… At the opening night performance every character was beautifully played by this well-directed ensemble and their singing was excellent…This production of ‘The Barber of Seville’ was a delight from start to finish. It’s hilariously wacky, beautifully sung and acted and a sumptuous feast for the eyes as well.”
Len Power
Canberra Critics Circle
______
“Award-winning Director Priscilla Jackman brings a hipster aesthetic to the famous Figaro, complete with a pop-up barber shop on wheels and has given leading lady Rosina more than just a pretty face…The reimagined ‘hipster’ Barber of Seville is a riotous romp of spontaneity, spark, and playfulness that’s wonderfully chaotic and full of comedic energy from beginning to end. It’s frothy intoxicating humour cannot be missed. This is opera at its light-hearted, effervescent best.”
Antoinette Milienos
The Plus Ones