Why Watch The Drover's Wife?
- Experience a gripping Australian opera that reimagines a classic tale with contemporary indigenous storytelling.
- Featuring a powerful performance by Nina Korbe, acclaimed for her role in West Side Story on Sydney Harbour.
- Enjoy a lush orchestral score by George Palmer, blending European and Indigenous musical traditions.
- Set in the iconic Joan Sutherland Theatre, this limited-run show offers an intimate and immersive theatrical experience.
The Drover’s Wife is a monumental new opera based on Leah Purcell’s acclaimed adaptation of Henry Lawson’s 1892 short story. This production brings together European and Indigenous musical traditions, featuring a lush orchestral score by George Palmer. The opera is performed in English, interwoven with Indigenous languages, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
Storyline
Set in the harsh environment of the Snowy Mountains, The Drover’s Wife follows Molly Johnson, a woman who faces numerous threats while her husband is away droving sheep. When Yadaka, an Aboriginal man evading colonial authorities, disrupts her sanctuary, their shared history of brutal hardships comes to light. The opera explores themes of survival, identity, and the intersection of cultures in early Australia.
Show timings
Show timings for The Drover's Wife may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The opera is most suitable for children aged 15 and above as it contains graphic depictions of violence.
The show is playing at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
Set in the Snowy Mountains, the opera follows Molly Johnson, a heavily pregnant woman left alone to care for her children in a remote shanty. Her solitude is disrupted by Yadaka, an Aboriginal man evading colonial authorities, leading to a confrontation that challenges their survival and shared history.
The running time is 2 hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
Nina Korbe, an award-winning soprano, stars in the titular role of Molly Johnson.
