It must be a good decade since Melbourne saw Mozart’s Don Giovanni, which is far too long for one of opera’s greatest hits. Melbourne Opera tackles this dramma giocoso, or “drama with jokes”, with their usual plucky approach to grand opera that puts the focus on quality singing and clear storytelling.

Melbourne Opera’s Don Giovanni. Photo © Robin Halls

First performed in Prague in 1787, Don Giovanni follows the title character’s last days of remorseless philandering. Assisted by his servant, Leporello, the Don moves on from Donna Anna and Donna Elvira and starts seducing Zerlina. The women and their menfolk join forces to seek revenge, though justice is ultimately brought down upon him by otherworldly forces.

Melbourne Opera’s go-to director Suzanne Chaundy brings her usual respect for the libretto to this new production. She doesn’t shy away from the story’s sexuality; the cast make numerous suggestive movements for comic and occasionally dramatic effect.

In the program notes, Chaundy outlines her intention of delivering a female-forward, #MeToo Don Giovanni, but reality falls short. Her feminist flourishes include some of his victims wielding a sword and...