In this dappled landscape lurks both beauty and wonder. The score is mysterious and colourful, with moments of dramatic intensity and hushed beauty. The libretto by Meredith Oakes is poetic and spare.

Eucalyptus is an ageless story of love and longing, about a daughter and a father – Ellen and Holland. Ellen’s overprotective father has created a safe haven from the world – a forest of eucalypts. But is the forest a sanctuary? Or is Ellen, like Rapunzel, imprisoned? Ellen encounters a Stranger amongst her father’s trees – a storyteller with enchanting tales of far-away lands…

Eucalyptus: The Opera

Acland Street Village

Opera Australia, in collaboration with Victorian Opera, Perth Festival, and Brisbane Festival, proudly presents the world premiere of "Eucalyptus," a new opera by Jonathan Mills, inspired by Murray Bail's beloved novel. This enchanting production is set to captivate audiences at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne from October 16th to 19th, 2024.

"Eucalyptus" unfolds in the Australian bush, a realm of mystery, beauty, and wonder, meticulously evoked through Mills' vibrant score and Meredith Oakes' poetic libretto. The story, an Australian fairy tale at its heart, explores themes of love, longing, and the complex bond between a father and his daughter, Ellen Holland. Known for her unparalleled beauty, Ellen is shielded from the world by her overprotective father, who surrounds her with a forest of Eucalyptus trees, each a symbol of his desire to keep her safe—or perhaps imprisoned.

The narrative takes a twist when her father devises a competition, decreeing that only the man who can name all the trees on his land may marry Ellen. This impossible task draws suitors from across the globe, but it's the arrival of a mysterious storyteller, with his captivating tales of distant lands, that sets the stage for an unexpected turn of events.

Directed by renowned Australian playwright and director Michael Gow, and featuring set and costume designs by Simone Romaniuk, "Eucalyptus" promises a production of dramatic intensity, hushed beauty, and profound emotional depth. The roles of Ellen and her father are brought to life by Desiree Frahn and Simon Meadows, respectively, with Orchestra Victoria conducted by Tahu Matheson providing the musical backdrop.

This production is supported by Philip Bacon, AO & Carol Colburn Grigor, CBE, and is performed in English with surtitles, running approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Tickets start from $39, with a $7.30 transaction fee, and season subscribers can access an exclusive discount.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience "Eucalyptus," a story of enchantment, love, and the timeless quest for understanding and connection, set against the backdrop of Australia's natural beauty.

Sir Jonathan Mills AC

Events

Past events

16 - 19 Oct, 2024

Eucalyptus: The Opera · Victorian Opera

Oct 16, 2024

Eucalyptus · Opera Australia

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