New Opera Company Presents Dialogue of the Carmélites

Image by Rob Studdert

An exciting new opera company debuts in Sydney this June with Dialogues des Carmélites (Dialogue of the Carmélites) by Francis Poulenc, one of the greatest and most inspiring tragedies in opera.

The new company, called Gente, gente! (“People, people!” or perhaps “Hey, everyone!” – a quote from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro) is a grassroots, not-for-profit opera company with a focus on less commonly performed works that can make a powerful, relevant impact in our world. The ensemble also has a commitment to increased involvement of women in every aspect of production. It both showcases and gives industry experience to exciting emerging artists, most of whom are breaking into our national and state opera companies.

Dialogues of the Carmélites is a three-act neo-romantic opera inspired by the true story of the Martyrs of Compiegne – an order of nuns executed for refusing to renounce their vocation during the final, savage days of the French Revolution. Their story has inspired works of art, plays, poetry, music… and this 1957 opera, hauntingly beautiful and – with its themes of courage under fire, dying for your beliefs and women facing down discrimination and violence – both timely and timeless.

Directed by Bec Moret with musical director/conductor Joanna Drimatis this debut production showcases a cast of outstanding young professional singers and a large ensemble backed by a 16-piece orchestra. It will be performed in the original French with English subtitles. The set, designed by Jesse Brown makes use of multiple levels in the church and incorporates magnificent stained glass and gaol bars with all the forces of light and sound accelerating towards the awe-inspiring climax that will leave audiences both shattered and uplifted.

Fri 21st, Sat 22nd, Fri 28th, Sat 29th June at 7pm

Tickets $15-25 (plus booking fee)
Info & bookings

Dialogues des Carmélites – Cast and Crew: Marquis de la Force: Tristan Entwistle/ Blanche: Sarah Cherlin (Cover: Patricia Turner) /Chevalier: Daniel Macey/ Mme de Croissy – prioress of Carmelite convent: Joanna Dionis Ross/ Mme Lidoine, new prioress – Mother Marie of St Augustine: Samanta Lestavel (Jill Halleron)/ Mother Marie of the Incarnation – assistant prioress: Laura Scandizzo/ Sister Constance of St Denis – a very young nun: Katrina Mackenzie/ Mother Jeanne of the Child Jesus – Dean of the community: Lucy Bailes/ Sister Mathilde: Sophie Blades (Elena Marcello)

Stage Director: Bec Moret /Conductor and Musical Director: Joanna Drimatis/ Repetiteur: Nathaniel Kong/ Artistic Prop Design: Jesse Brown/ Costume & Set Lead: Elena Samsonenka/Lighting Design: Jerry Retford/ Pattern Maker: Jacqueline Denley