The opportunity to work on a stage musical, “is like a masterclass in growth,” says Christine Anu. 

“I get to work with incredible people. I’m like a sponge, soaking in everything. And then I get to give it back, pass it on.”

Anu is speaking to Limelight ahead of rehearsals for Hadestown, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning American musical which has its Australian premiere at the Theatre Royal Sydney in February, presented by Opera Australia and the JONES Theatrical Group.

Christine Anu with Abigail Adriano, her co-star in the musical Hadestown, produced by Opera Australia and JONES Theatrical Group. Photo © Michelle Grace Hunder

Written by Anaïs Mitchell and based on the mythic story of lovers Orpheus and Eurydice, as well as Hades and Persephone, the show invites audiences on a journey to the Underworld, with Anu playing Hermes, the messenger of the gods.

“Seriously, I can’t wait to do this,” she says. “Hermes is the narrator, the guide, the constant throughout. You get to bring as much of yourself to the role as you dare and break the fourth wall, engaging with the audience, and then slip back into the Underworld. It’s a joy...