Performer: Alexia Voulgaridou

Tosca’s popularity stems not only from its music, but also from the inherent truth in its drama and its in-depth portrayal of unrestrained human passions. 

In this anti-realistic, colourful and beautifully played production of Pagliacci, the director extends the concept expressed in the Prologue: clowns are real life people, but also real life people are clowns in a larger play.

I’ve never been to a sing-along Sound of Music, but apparently audience etiquette requires pantomime booing of the Nazis. More than a few attendees at the opening night of Opera Australia’s new production of Tosca responded in a similar fashion at the curtain call, and it had nothing to do with a generally excellent performance. For yes, there were Nazis.