The Tales of Hoffmann

The opera revolves around Hoffmann, an ardent lover, poet and writer who tells three stories of his great but unhappy loves all ending tragically thanks to the meddling of his enemy, a supernatural villain and evil genius.

Objects of Hoffmann’s love and desire include Olympia the wind-up doll, Giulietta the Venetian courtesan who, with the villain Dapertutto, robs Hoffmann of his ‘other self’ in the form of his reflection and Antonia the frail and beautiful opera-singer who is unable to sing due to a hereditary chest complaint.

It is opera fantastique - the perfect combination of fantasy and classical music with an endless stream of gorgeous melodies, seductive and tender love scenes, bizarre characters - comic, romantic or villainous, and tragic climaxes. This dark romantic fairy tale is a true feast for the eyes and ears.

This Opera Australia production is presented by arrangement with that company.

Sung in French with English surtitles.



Wesfarmers Arts Synopsis & Cast List

Cast and Creative Team

Conductor
Lionel Friend

Director
Stuart Maunder

Set and Costume Designer
Roger Kirk

Lighting Designer
Nigel Levings

Choreography
Elizabeth Hill

Hoffmann
Rosario La Spina

Cochenille/Frantz/Pittichinaccio/Nathanael
Adrian McEniery

Olympia/Antonia/Giulietta/Stella
Rachelle Durkin

Lindorf/Coppelius/Dr Miracle/Dapertutto
James Clayton

Nicklausse
Catherine Carby

Schlemil/Hermann
Robert Hofmann

Spalanzani/Luther/Crespel
Andrew Foote

Voice of Antonia’s Mother
Sarah-Janet Brittenden

West Australian Opera Chorus

West Australian Symphony Orchestra