La Traviata — Opera Queensland

Overview

First gracing the stage 169 years ago, La Traviata spins a tragic story about Parisian courtesan Violetta Valèry, who falls in love with young nobleman Alfredo Germont. If everything turned out smoothly, the show mightn't have become the world's most-performed opera — but Opera Queensland's new version isn't just telling the tale that audiences have known and loved since 1853.

In this reimagining from director Sarah Giles, Violetta and Alfredo's romance still struggles under the weight of 19th-century French society's expectations, but exploring both sides of its fated heroine's life is firmly in the spotlight here. This take on La Traviata peers beyond the parties and supposed glamour to truly see the imbalances of power that define Violetta's existence — between men and women, in France's social structure, and in her line of work.

The end result plays QPAC's Lyric Theatre between Thursday, July 14–Saturday, July 23, and promises a spin on a classic like you've never seen it before — still with sumptuous staging and costuming, though, of course.

In this production, which comes via State Opera South Australia and West Australian Opera, Lorina Gore takes on the role of Violetta, while Kang Wang plays Alfredo — and José Carbó steps into his father Giorgio Germont's shoes. Opera Queensland's chorus is on backing duties, alongside the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dane Lam.

If you're keen to find out more about this iteration of Verdi's hit, Opera Queensland is also hosting free pre-performance talks — included in the ticket price — with shows on July 16, 19, 21 and 23.