Opera Archives

Reviews

Noongar opera returns to Country

16 December 2024

In our final review under the Seesaw Regional Mentorship program, Davina Edwards reflects on a sweet homecoming for the Balladong story of Wundig wer Wilura.

A blonde woman in black stands, hands placed together in front of her as if in prayer. She looks upset and pleading. A man in a blue jacket in one shirt can be seen in the background. Big Apple spin gives opera bite

Reviews

Big Apple spin gives opera bite

1 September 2023

Freeze Frame Opera has done it again, delivering a wildly inventive take on a classic that deserves to be better known. Will Yeoman heads to Broadway.

Two men in Nazi-style uniforms and big black boots stand on steps, looking menacing. Beside them is a black statue of Atlas, clad only in a loin cloth, head bowed with the weight of a globe above him. This is the WA Opera production of Otello Menacing Otello takes total control

Reviews

Menacing Otello takes total control

21 July 2023

Opening in a blaze of sound and fury, Otello unleashes an emotional rollercoaster. Will Yeoman urges you to jump on board.

A singer in a dark green gown stands on red-carpeted steps, her arms reaching out. Behind her, a conductor leads a small orchestra. Young singers in full voice for opera allsorts

Reviews

Young singers in full voice for opera allsorts

20 June 2023

With 16 soloists, a 37-piece orchestra and a wonderfully varied repertoire, this opera gala is worth singing about, writes Penny Shaw.

Reviews

A tower of fun and high notes

29 May 2023

This modern spin on a classic fairytale is an entertaining way to introduce children to opera, writes junior reviewer Saskia Haluszkiewicz.

Features

From Rossini to Rapunzel, with love

23 May 2023

A popular fairytale gets a snip and a makeover in a fun-loving opera for children. It’s just one of the reasons the multi-talented Penny Shaw loves telling stories through music, writes Julie Hosking.

Into the Woods. A large cast of performers on stage under a huge spiral staircase which forms the centrepiece of the set Spectacular foray into the woods

Reviews

Spectacular foray into the woods

26 March 2023

Emma Jayakumar puts her Sondheim reservations aside and is caught up in the lavish design and exhilarating performances in the fractured fairytale world of Into The Woods.

A stage bathed in pink light highlights four singers dressed to impress: Teddy Tau Rhodes, Rachelle Durkin, Caitlin Cassidy and Jun Zhang. They are performing for Freeze Frame Opera. Freeze Frame warms with finesse and frivolity

Reviews

Freeze Frame warms with finesse and frivolity

23 March 2023

Freeze Frame Opera knows how to please a crowd, getting the balance of humour and superlative singing just right. Bourby Webster has a great night out.

Reviews

Opera stars in the outfield

26 February 2023

With world-class performances and a stunning if unusual setting, WA Opera’s Carmen should help find the genre new audiences, writes Bourby Webster.

Contemporary Communication. A man sits at the piano as a group of people gather around with the arms raised The singer and the signer in perfect harmony

Reviews

The singer and the signer in perfect harmony

18 February 2023

Signing takes equal billing with singing in this unique production, delivering an enthralling and moving piece of theatre, writes Penny Shaw.

Always was, always will be…

Seesaw Magazine acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work and live, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region. Continue

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Seesaw Magazine acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work and live, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
Continue