Eucalyptus: The Opera

The 1998 novel captures many traditional Australian storytelling themes: the harshness of life in the outback and the unique nature of the Australian landscape. This is particularly explored through the very thorough taxonomy of the various species of the native Australian trees and the somewhat tragic relationship between Ellen (Desiree Frahn) and her father, Holland (Simon Meadows). Transforming this story into an opera is especially apt in conveying the inherent tragic nature of this story and the music especially emphasises this aspect. The composition creates a very sombre and sometimes dark atmosphere via dense and complex music.

The challenging nature of this composition is beautifully addressed by the production design and the performers, especially Frahn as Ellen. Her performance not only accentuated her enormous singing talent but gave extensive shape and dimension to the emotional state of her character. The power and projection that Frahn was able to produce was unparalleled in this production and she clearly distinguished herself among a very strong and highly talented cast.

The set is especially evocative of the Australian bush and the very clever use of projections and lighting effects creates a very eerie atmosphere. There are elements of the story, particularly in relation to Holland’s obsession with categorising the Eucalyptus, that are bizarre. The gargantuan nature of the list and the names of the trees adds to the grandeur and monumental disposition of both the tale and its unique setting. This taxonomy is almost as oppressive as the preposterous competition Holland holds for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Perhaps more humour could have been infused into such aspects and this could have been a way to contrast or alleviate the very serious overall tone of this work.

Patricia Di Risio

Photographer: Charlie Kinross