There are more than 800 species of Eucalyptus in Australia. There is only one Ellen Holland.

Ellen’s beauty is famous for miles around. Her overprotective father has created a safe place to protect her from the world: a forest of Eucalypts.

Eucalyptus australiana, Eucalyptus marginata, Eucalyptus maidenii … lovingly planted, staked, tied.

But is the forest a sanctuary or is Ellen imprisoned?

Eucalyptus is a new opera by Jonathan Mills, based on Murray Bail’s beloved novel. It’s part Australian fairy tale and part musical evocation of the Australian bush. In this dappled landscape lurks both beauty and wonder. The score is mysterious and colourful, with moments of dramatic intensity and hushed beauty. The libretto by Meredith Oakes is poetic and spare.