From opulence to despair, Opera Queensland presents a thrilling new production of Verdi’s La Traviata.  

The sumptuous and surprising production reimagined by director Sarah Giles, plays at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from 14-23 July 2022. 

La Traviata features an ensemble of some of Australia’s most exciting singers, including Lorina Gore as the famed heroine Violetta, Kang Wang as Alfredo and José Carbó as Germont, backed by the mighty Opera Queensland Chorus and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dane Lam.  

Set in 1850s Paris, La Traviata encourages audiences to examine the politics of now through a prism of the past, telling all sides of this universally popular tale of hedonism and heartbreak. 

Ms. Giles said audiences may have seen La Traviata before and be very familiar with the story, but they have never seen it told quite like this.   

“When we think about La Traviata, we generally think about Violetta the party girl, Violetta the romanticised dying courtesan, lavish party scenes and great opulence,” Ms. Giles said.  

“What we tend not think about are the realities and complexities of sex work, the inherent imbalance of power between men and women, the punishing, unforgiving and inflexible society that Violetta lived in. And yet this is the world that her story takes place in. So, in this production we’re showing both sides of her story; the public and the private life of Violetta Valery.  

You’ll see the parties, the champagne, the glitz, and you’ll see the cruel reality of what happens behind closed doors and how contradictory the world was that Violetta had to survive and thrive in.” 

Opera Queensland CEO & Artistic Director Patrick Nolan said audiences would be thrilled by the new production which reinvigorates the opera classic. 

“We are delighted to premiere this reimagining of Verdi’s La Traviata – a 169-year-old work that is the world’s most performed opera,” Mr. Nolan says. 

“Verdi’s music is astonishing and for all the wonderful chorus scenes in this opera, it is driven by finely nuanced dramatic writing. In this production, we are fortunate to have an ensemble of very talented singers who understand the multifaceted power of the voice to express drama. 

“Award winning set and costume designer Charles Davis has created the breathtaking costumes as intricate period pieces with dazzling modern flair that reflect the excesses of the story.  

La Traviata is a co-production between State Opera South Australia and West Australian Opera. The production will include a season performance in Adelaide (25 July to 3 August) and Perth (20-29 October). 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit oq.com.au/whats-on/la-traviata/. 

Opera Queensland delivers events within Queensland Health’s COVID Safe framework. If a performance is cancelled due to COVID, patrons will be offered a full refund or the opportunity to transfer to a new date. 

Opera Queensland acknowledges the First Peoples of the Lands across Queensland, upon which we perform. We pay our respects to all of Queensland’s First Peoples, their ancestors and Elders, and to our shared future. 

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A co-production between Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia and West Australian Opera 

Presented in association with Queensland Symphony Orchestra 

14 – 23 July 2022 

Complimentary pre-performance talks are held on 16, 19, 21 and 23 July. 

The 21 July performance is Auslan-interpreted and audio description is available on 23 July. 

QPAC Lyric Theatre, Cnr Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane  

Approximately 2.5 hours including interval
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Contains adult themes, including sexual references and implied violence. 

CREATIVE TEAM
Composer    Giuseppe Verdi
Conductor  Dane Lam 
Director  Sarah Giles
Set and Costumes Charles Davis
Lighting  Paul Jackson 

CAST
Violetta Valéry   Lorina Gore
Alfredo Germont   Kang Wang
Giorgio Germont   José Carbó
Flora Bervoix   Hayley Sugars
Doctor Grenville   Conal Coad
Gastone de Letorieres   Sebastian Maclaine
Baron Douphol   Shaun Brown
Marchese d’Obigny   Jason Barry-Smith
Annina   Susan Ellis
Opera Queensland Chorus