Notes from Underground — Sydney Chamber Opera

Overview

When Sydney Chamber Opera first performed Notes from Underground back in 2011 at the National Art School's Cell Block Theatre, they were, at just one year old, fresh and yet unestablished. But the production — which saw composer Jack Symonds and librettist Pierce Wilcox work together for the first time — was defining for the SCO, and cemented their position as a powerful voice in Sydney's arts scene. 

Five years on, they're revisiting the opera in a brand new production which will premiere at Carriageworks over five nights from August 13-20. Symonds, once again alongside Wilcox, has composed an epic soundtrack especially for the 2016 production and his troupe of performers. Directed by Patrick Nolan and designed by Genevieve Blanchett, the stage becomes a map of the central character's mind, and explores ideas of his memory, obsession, desire and belonging.

As you may have guessed, Notes from Underground is loosely based around Dostoevsky's 1864 novella of the same name. But there's been some changes. While the production stays true to the two-part structure of the fictional memoir of an isolated 'Underground Man', it takes the narrative from 19th century Russia and pulls it into present day. Add in some influences from David Lynch and Spike Jonze and you've got yourself a modern day opera epic. 

Book into the final performance on Saturday, August 20 and catch a free pre-show talk with journalist Caroline Baum in conversation with both Symonds and Wilcox at 6pm.